Billings, Mont. – Montana State Billings women's soccer team faces another top ranked team as they enter their Great Northwest Athletic Conference away schedule. The Yellowjackets (2-1-1, 1-1-0 GNAC) face Seattle Pacific University (5-1-0, 2-0 GNAC) who recently ranked No. 25 in the Sept. 24 NSCAA national poll on Sept. 26 and Central Washington University (2-3-0, 1-1 GNAC) on Sept. 28.
 
Including this weekend's contests, MSU Billings has five scheduled road games over the next three weeks. The Yellowjackets had a strong showing last week, winning two out of three matches, with the lone lost coming at the hands of Western Washington who was ranked No. 4 in the Sept. 17 NSCAA National poll. The Vikings have moved up two spots and currently hold the No. 2 slot in the Sept. 24 NSCAA National poll.
 
MSUB's defense has been solid thus far ranking No. 14 nationally in shutout percentage (0.75), and No. 4 in the GNAC in goals allowed (4). Offensively the Yellowjackets have been good also, averaging 1.25 goals per game and have a .553 shot on goal percentage; ranking No. 4 in the conference in goals.
 
Heidi Greenback has found her rhythm early, leading the team in goals scored (2) and points (4). She currently ranks No. 1 in the GNAC in game winning goals (2) and No. 7 in goals scored. Greenback has 24 career goals, 61 career points and presently ranks No. 6 all-time amongst the program's scoring leaders. She along with Katlyn Lokay received Honorable Mention Red Lion Player of the Week honors for their performance last week (Sept. 16-22).
 
The Yellowjackets attack will need Greenback and Alisa Sagdahl to play big minutes this weekend. Sagdahl leads the team in shots (9) and has a .444 shot on goal percentage.
 
On the back half, Kaylee Kimmet looks to continue to direct the defense who has accounted for 21 saves, a .840 save percentage and three shutouts.
 
Seattle Pacific recently moved into the national ranking (No. 25 according to the Sept. 24 NSCAA poll) after winning its fifth straight contest. The Falcons' only lost in 2013 was to the University of California-San Diego, who were ranked No. 3 in the nation at the time. SPU and the Yellowjackets have had a pretty heated rivalry the past few years with, MSUB getting the best of the Falcons in 2012, winning two out of three matches, including the semi-final bout in the inaugural post-season tournament.
 
Offensively, the Falcons rank No. 7 nationally in shutout percentage (0.833), and No. 2 in points (37) and goals allowed (2) in the GNAC. Alexa Diaz ranks No. 1 in the GNAC and No. 7 in the nation in total assists (4). Laura Moore is No. 1 in the conference in points scored with four goals and two assists for a total of 10 points in 2013.
 
MSU Billings and Seattle Pacific will start play at 7:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Thursday, Sept. 26.
 
Central Washington is a solid team, who has suffered some close defeats this season. Even though they lead the all-time series, the Wildcats have not fared well against the Jackets lately, losing the last three match-ups. MSUB won decisively the last time in Ellensburg, Wash., beating Central 2-0. The Wildcats have struggled as a whole on offense recording 0.80 goals per game, a .054 shot percentage and a .324 shot on goal percentage.
 
On defense they have given up 1.00 goal per game, and recorded 24 saves and a .828 save percentage. Danielle Brandi has started 2013 in favorable fashion, leading the GNAC in goals scored with four total. Kayla Lipston has recorded all of the team's 24 saves and ranks No. 2 in the conference with a 4.80 saves per game average.
 
The Yellowjackets and Wildcats begin their match at 12:00 PM (Pacific Time) on Saturday, Sept. 28.
 
*Note: Yellowjacket fans can stay up to date on away games by following the links below or the "Live Stats" and "Video" links on the team's schedule page to tune into the GNAC's Live Web Portal*
 
GNAC Live Stats
GNAC Live Video