BILLINGS, Mont. – After a slow offensive start, the Montana State University Billings women's soccer team earned strong scoring chances in the second half and overtime, but wound up in a 0-0 draw with Carroll College in the Rimrock Classic at Yellowjacket Field Thursday afternoon in non-conference play.
 
"Getting a shutout was one of our keys to the game, so I'm glad we were able to do that," commented MSUB head coach Stephen Cavallo after the game. "Erinn (Harder) made a nice save at the end of the first half but for the most part, we did a good job preventing the long ball and eliminating a lot of serious scoring threats from Carroll. The energy we showed in the second half was much better and I was proud of the fight that we had in overtime as well. We definitely had our chances to score. One went off the post. Another potential goal was called offside. We definitely need to be a little bit stronger with the ball at times but the energy we had was a positive takeaway."
 
MSU Billings (0-1-2) moves on to play University of Mary in the Rimrock Classic presented by Granite Health and Fitness in memory of Trevor Wildberger Saturday, September 14 at 3 p.m. Carroll College (0-0-1) plays Black Hills State University in Billings Saturday at 12 p.m.
 
The Fighting Saints held a majority of the first half possession and outshot the Yellowjackets 3-0. MSUB goalkeeper Erinn Harder made a great save to keep the score even and give the 'Jackets a chance to regroup at halftime.
 
The Yellowjackets immediately began generating more offense in the second half, but failed to score on three shots on goal including one that ricocheted off the crossbar. Carroll College was the only team to record a shot on goal in overtime with a split of midfield possession for both sides.
 
Alexa Iacolucci led MSUB with three shots on goal, and Amanda Hemmen had two. The Carroll College offense was led by Ashley Carter, who posted two shots. Erinn Harder made four saves to shut out the Fighting Saints and Sydney Green stopped four for Carroll.
 
"When the team needed her (Harder) to step up, she did which was great to see for her," Cavallo said of Harder. "She did a good job managing the ball and distributing from the ball. She made the saves look comfortable which I think was important."
 
Cautions were issued to MSUB's Courteney Shovlin and Carroll's Mckenna Payne.
 
MSUB is still looking for its first regular season win of the year and will be facing a difficult opponent in the University of Mary.
 
"We know Mary will be a strong test on Saturday. We want to come out with energy even with it being the second game this weekend," Cavallo said. "We want to be a little bit sharper with our passes and crosses and I know we are capable of putting the ball in the back of the net."
 
THE BUZZ: Goalkeeper Erinn Harder was named St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game for the Yellowjackets.