BILLINGS, Mont. – In their last two non-conference home games, the Montana State University Billings women's soccer team looks for their first regular season win this week during the sixth annual Rimrock Classic in memory of Trevor Wildberger presented by Granite Health and Fitness.
 
The Yellowjackets have a rematch against Carroll College Thursday, September 12^th, then play the University of Mary on Saturday, September 14^th. The 'Jackets lost to the Saints in Helena, on August 30^th, and they look to avenge that loss at 4 p.m. this Thursday. The 'Jackets will also challenge the University of Mary Marauders at 3 p.m. on Saturday for the first time this season. This will be the 'Jackets' last home game before kicking off conference play versus Western Oregon University on Thursday, September 26^th. Fans can tune in for live statistics or watch live video through the MSUB Stretch Internet portal here.
 
The 'Jackets look to protect home field this week in non-conference play. The next home game will be a conference game that counts toward their fight to get into the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships.
 
"We've played well in some patches throughout all of our games this year," said head coach Stephen Cavallo. "Our home game against Carroll Thursday is a great opportunity for us to put together a complete 90-minute performance. We've come a long way since we played them less than two weeks ago and we're excited to take the field against them tomorrow."
   
MSUB (0-1-1) is coming off of a tough road trip to Salt Lake City to start nonconference play. The 'Jackets played Westminster at Dumke Field on Saturday. After their appearance in the first round of the 2018 NCAA tournament, the Griffins were picked to finish sixth in the 14 team RMAC conference. Haylee Gunter opened the scoring for non-conference play, winning the ball at midfield, playing it out, and getting it back for a skilled finish, but defensive errors cost MSUB the game, and the Griffins won 2-1.
 
The 'Jackets also played California State Dominguez Hills on Monday, September 9^th. MSUB rallied an early goal from the Toros to go up 3-1, but the Toros came back strong in the final 20 minutes with MSUB down a player and tied the game 3-3. 
 
"It was a challenging trip," Cavallo said. "The Westminster games gave us a taste of what GNAC play is like in terms of speed and physicality of the game, and skill of the opposing team. We had moments that we played well against them. It was great to see Haylee Gunter score a good goal against them."
 
"The Dominguez Hill game was a heated contest that I think pushed us mentally," Cavallo said of Saturday's contest. "We had some great moments in that game that showed what we are capable of doing. We can learn from it and see out a 90-minute match. It can be a great tool for our success later on if we allow it to be."
 
GERMAN AN OFFENSIVE THREAT: Haley German, a junior transfer from Paradise Valley Community College in Arizona, is proving to be a true offensive threat. Scoring two goals in her last three games, German is an attacking-minded player with a hunger to score. Her last finish came on Monday against California State Dominguez Hills when she ran into the box and finessed a cross from sophomore Lexie Bloyder into the side netting of the goal. As the 'Jackets learn how to combine and play with this new group, German is sure to be in front of goal with the ball more and more. She will be one to watch.
 
 
LOSSNER LOOKS TO MAKE AN IMPACT: Another Arizona native, freshman Kendall Lossner looks to make an impact right away.  Lossner started the last two games for the 'Jackets. Mostly playing in the midfield or on the outside wing, Lossner has yet to score, but her combination play up the field has been helpful in creative play for the 'Jackets. She combines with solid returners like Haylee Gunter, Hallie Vervair, and Claire Tevaseu in order to keep the ball for MSUB and work it up the field.
 
SANDOW AND HEMMEN, ANCHORS IN THE BACK:  Kalin Sandow and Amanda Hemmen begin another season side by side as the team's center backs. Starters in the back line since their freshman campaign, the seniors have one more season to play together. Both Honorable Mention All-GNAC picks last season, Sandow and Hemmen are two strong defenders for the 'Jackets. Playing together for their fourth year, the duo has learned how to work well together and should be fun to watch.    
 
VERSATILITY IN IACOLUCCI: Alexa Iacolucci has been one of MSUB's most versatile players. Most of her career has been spent in the midfield, but she can slide seamlessly into the back four when needed. This senior has refined her set pieces over her time at MSUB and can be dangerous almost anywhere on the field. Against California State Dominguez Hills, she finished a penalty kick, but her service to teammates into the box on free kicks has the potential to be just as deadly, as they have been top notch. Her 2018 season was cut short due to injury, but Iacolucci is healthy this season and ready for what looks to be her best season yet. 
 
Scouting Carroll College
Gameday: Thursday, September 12—4 PM—Yellowjacket Field – Billings, Montana
2019 Record: 2-1, 0-1 home, 2-0 away, 0-0 neutral
Head Coach: David Thorvilson, 12^th season
2018 Record: 10-6-3, 9-1 conference, 4-0 home, 6-3 away, 0-3-1 neutral
 
Carroll College is a strong NAIA team who split the Cascade Collegiate Conference regular season championship last year.  After losing 1-0 to Carroll in an exhibition just under two weeks ago in Helena, Montana, the 'Jackets look to avenge that loss this week in Billings on Thursday, September 12^th at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff against the Fighting Saints is 4 p.m. local time.
 
Makayla Welch leads the team with points so far this season with four. Goalkeeper Sydney Green is the team's leader in saves with eight. The Saints will look to combine Welch's and Green's efforts to get a result on Thursday.  
 
The series: The Yellowjackets are 10-10-3 in the all-time series against the Fighting Saints.
 
Last game between the two:  The teams met just under two weeks ago in Helena, Montana where the Saints were victorious, 1-0, off a goal by senior forward Makayla Welch in exhibition play.
 
Scouting University of Mary
Gameday: Saturday, September 14—3 PM Mountain—Yellowjacket Field – Billings, Montana
2019 Record: 0-0, 0-0 conference, 0-0 home, 0-0 away, 0-0 neutral
Head Coach: Sarah Cook (7^th season)
2018 Record: 8-8-3, 7-6-2 conference, 3-3-1 home, 4-3-2 away, 1-2-0 neutral
 
The University of Mary women's soccer team qualified for postseason play the last two seasons. The Marauders are a part of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and were picked to finish seventh out of 16 teams. Seniors Kylee Welch and Sidney Burrell were picked as NSIC Players to Watch.
 
Kylee Welch is a midfielder for the Marauders. She started and played in all 19 games last season. She tallied 2 assists for the season and contributed defensively to the team's eight shutouts. Sidney Burrell is a forward for Mary who finished the season last year with two goals and one assist.  She also totaled nine shots on goal during the 2018 season.  
 
Last game between the two: The teams last met in Billings, Montana in September of 2016. The game resulted in a 2-2 double overtime tie.