BILLINGS, Mont. – Dana Lubieniecki scored her fifth goal of the season on Saturday, but it wasn't enough to help the Montana State University Billings women's soccer team overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit in a 2-1 loss to Great Northwest Athletic Conference opponent Central Washington University at Yellowjacket Field.
 
An own goal and a finish from Keilin Farrand within the span of 52 seconds in the first half proved to be the difference in the game, as the 'Cats improved to 11-2-1 overall and 6-1-1 in league play with the win.
 
The Yellowjackets increased their possession and attack in the second half, but could not find an equalizer in the final 45 minutes. MSUB fell to 3-8-2 overall and 3-4-1 in GNAC play with its second straight loss.
 
"It was awesome to see the players respond well after being down at halftime," said MSUB head coach Wojtek Krakowiak. "I am really happy with the players who came in and changed the game, and that really gave us a push."
 
Strong play by Kalin Sandow on the right side of the field for the 'Jackets helped the team generate some early momentum offensively. The freshman won a pair of hard tackles towards the middle of the field, helping open up MSUB's attack and move the ball forward. 

The Wildcats defended well early however, preventing the Yellowjackets from producing any scoring chances.

 
Jumping ahead on an own goal 16 minutes into the game, a cross into the box by CWU was deflected into the back of MSUB's net. The Wildcats struck again nearly instantaneously, as Farrand scored her fifth goal of the season a minute later. Standing at the top of the box, a clearance attempt by MSUB's back line rolled to the senior, who finished a low shot into the corner of the net to make it 2-0.
 
Two of goalkeeper Emily Holt's three saves in the game came in the opening half, as the CWU stopper kept MSUB off of the scoreboard for the first 45 minutes.
 
Kylee Wolfe opened the second half with one of MSUB's best looks of the day, as she lined a powerful shot inches wide of the upper-v on the right side of the field.
 
Lubieniecki's team-leading fifth goal of the year followed shortly thereafter, as she gained possession and beat a defender into the box on the left side. Placing a perfect shot towards the far post, Lubieniecki curled the ball from 15 yards off of the woodwork and into the back of the net. "It was a nice build up, and Sarah played a good ball to Dana," Krakowiak commented on the scoring play. "Dana had great composure, and bent her shot to the far post."
 
MSUB goalkeeper Lili Delgadillo had a huge save with 20 minutes to play, denying a shot by CWU's Maceknzie Nolte from point-blank range on the right side. It was one of six saves on the day for the sophomore, as she gave MSUB a chance to equalize into the closing minutes of the match.
 
Alexa Iacolucci stepped up to take a free kick with time winding down, but her shot on target from 30 yards away was stopped by Nolte. It was the Yellowjackets' final chance of the match, as CWU closed out the win.
 
Coming off of the bench to play a season-high 49 minutes, Sarah Farris elevated play for the 'Jackets in the midfield. "Sarah was absolutely amazing today, and I was really happy with the players who came off of the bench and played well," said Krakowiak.
 
Sandow and senior Kari Kastelic anchored the back line for the full 90 minutes, and kept CWU's attack at bay during the second half. Freshman Amanda Hemmen also played the entire match, pushing forward towards the end to assist in the attacking effort.
 
Wolfe and Iacolucci each had a pair of shots for MSUB, which was out-shot 15-6 in the match. Four different Wildcats had three shots in the game, and eight of their attempts landed on target.
 
Bailey Griglio played a season-high 44 minutes off of the bench, and placed her only shot of the day on target. She, Farris, and Mackenzie Breeden all put forth strong efforts in their reserve roles on Saturday.
 
THE BUZZ: Sandow was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day…CWU swept the season series, after defeating the Yellowjackets 3-0 in Ellensburg, Wash., on Oct. 1…the 'Cats scored twice on just four shots in the first half, but didn't find the net in 11 attempts in the second half...MSUB players warmed up wearing pink shirts on MSUB Kicks Cancer Day, showing support for the fight against cancer.
 
AHEAD: The Yellowjackets hit the road next week, for two more GNAC games in Washington. MSUB will face Saint Martin's University at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20 in Lacey, Wash., before challenging Seattle Pacific at 1 p.m. two days later in Seattle.