SALT LAKE CITY – Haylee Gunter streaked down the right side and rocketed her first goal of the season, but the Montana State University Billings women's soccer team fell 2-1 to Westminster College in a non-conference season opening game Saturday afternoon at Dumke Field. The 'Jackets had good possession throughout the game but a defensive lapse in the second half was enough to propel Westminster's Bella Riche to the winning goal.
 
"It was an excellent season opener challenge for us to play against a Westminster team that went to the NCAA tournament last season," commented head coach Stephen Cavallo. "The way we played despite the loss leads me to believe we are definitely headed in the right direction as a program. We started out reasonably well but conceded a goal in the first half that broke our rhythm a little bit. It was great to see Haylee Gunter score to tie the game for her first of the year on a great play. Then we didn't handle the long ball from the back well enough on Westminster's second goal so we for sure still have plenty to work on."
 
Riche, a midfielder scored both goals in the game for the Griffins. On her second score, Riche received a through pass near the top of the box and got behind the Yellowjacket back line, pitting her one-on-one with MSUB goalkeeper Erinn Harder. Harder charged forward but Riche slipped the ball under her and into the center of the goal.
 
Shots on goal favored the Griffins 4-2. The 'Jackets attempted four total shots compared to 16 for Westminster. Gunter's goal was assisted by Summer Miles while Riche's second goal was assisted by Emma Heyn. Harder made two saves on the day and Westminster goalkeeper Preslee Sudbury made one save.
 
"At the end of the day, this is the type of game that is going to help our future aspirations and make us better," Cavallo said. "I'm looking forward to Monday's game against Cal State Dominguez Hills."
 
Westminster earned four first half corner kicks and one in the second half. MSUB had one corner in the second half. Yellow cards were issued to MSUB's Amanda Hemmen (17:58) and Courtney Shovlin (81:11).
 
THE BUZZ: Saturday was the first ever meeting between the two teams…Haylee Gunter was tabbed St. Vincent Healthcare player of the game for MSUB after scoring her second career goal.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets remain on the road Monday, September 9 for a game against California State University Dominguez Hills at 12 p.m. local time. The team returns home Thursday, September 12 for a match in the sixth annual Rimrock Classic in memory of Trevor Wildburger against Carroll College.