KEARNEY, Neb. – Alexa Iacolucci's final free kick attempt of the evening was her best, but the sophomore's first career goal for Montana State University Billings was not enough to rescue the Yellowjackets in a 2-1 loss at the University of Nebraska Kearney Friday evening at Foster Field.
 
Iacolucci had already drilled a pair of shots off the Lopers' wall by the waning minutes of the game, before her left-footed strike pierced the back of the net in a moment of solace for the visitors in the 88th minute. UNK (1-0) had built a 2-0 advantage by halftime however, and withstood MSUB's late comeback effort.

"I am proud of the way the team battled to the end of the game, after what was a very poor first half from us," said MSUB head coach Stephen Cavallo. "Alexa scored an absolute screamer, and if it wasn't for a couple of great saves from their keeper we might have tied or won the match. We have some areas for improvement, but we played a much better second half and fought hard to the end."
 
The

Lopers enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening half, and out-shot MSUB 10-6 overall in the match. The Yellowjackets pressed forward out of the locker rooms however, and matched UNK with six total shots on target in the game.
 
MSUB's first real chance materialized in the opening five minutes, with a dangerous set piece from 18 yards away. Iacolucci drilled a low shot on target, but UNK goalkeeper Ali Hirschman dove to knock the ball away and held a rebound effort by Lizzy Light. 

The Lopers appeared to push ahead, but an offside call negated what would have been the first goal of the match as the 'Jackets dodged a bullet early on in the first.
 
A set piece led to the first goal for UNK, as Ciera Clark finished a cross by Haley Humm inside a crowded box to make the score 1-0 in the 26th minute.
 
With less than five minutes until the break, UNK doubled its lead after a pass was intercepted in the defensive third by Maddie Love. MSUB keeper Lili Delgadillo managed to knock away the long strike, but Kaitlyn Pawloski followed the ball and tucked a shot into an open net.
 
Marika Van Brocklin nearly added another goal as time expired, but her long shot from 30 yards carried just over the crossbar.
 
Iacolucci had another set piece attempt to open the second half, but this time her solid strike from 30 yards was deflected away by the wall. MSUB kept on the offensive, earning a corner kick 15 minutes into the period. Hallie Vervair got her laces on a rebound at the top of the box, but Hirschman held onto it for another save.
 
Natalie Cabiad and Iacolucci combined to play a ball through the midfield and into space with 20 minutes remaining, which led to one of the Yellowjackets' best chances of the match. Erin Reynolds ran onto the pass, and lifted a high shot on frame that required a leaping, one-handed push from Hirschman to keep it out of the net.
 
Delgadillo was tested several times late in the match, making a pair of saves with less than 10 minutes to play. A set-piece shot by Tori Weber was just out of Delgadillo's reach, but she had the frame covered as it rattled off the crossbar and away from danger.
 
The 'Jackets kicked the rally into full gear in the final five minutes, with a corner kick spurring a pair of crosses into the box by Iacolucci that were cleared away by the UNK back line. A 29-yard free kick was blocked by a leaping wall, but a foul within the next minute set up Iacolucci with another golden chance. This time, she cleared the block, beating everybody to help MSUB prevent being shut out.
 
Delgadillo finished the match with four saves, while Hirschman totaled five for the home team. Sophomore Kalin Sandow helped keep the game close, playing 90 minutes of solid defense on the back line.
 
THE BUZZ: Iacolucci was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day…Friday's meeting was the first ever between MSUB and UNK.
 
NEXT UP: The 'Jackets face Drury University in another non-conference match on Sunday morning. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Foster Field.