MISSOULA, Mont. – Opening its 2021 spring season with a resounding win at Big Sky High School, the University of Montana women's soccer team defeated visiting Montana State University Billings 3-0.
 
Three different players scored for the Grizzlies, who are the reigning NCAA D1 Big Sky Conference Champions. The Yellowjackets (2-2) held their own and trailed just 1-0 at halftime, but the hopes of a result slipped away in a one-sided second half. "I am proud of our team's effort and energy today," said MSUB head coach Stephen Cavallo. "We came across a very good University of Montana team, and I was proud of our players for matching their physical intensity."
 
The Yellowjackets managed just three shots in the match, with Lexie Bloyder posting the only shot attempt that landed on target. Freshman goalkeeper Clare Keenan made five big saves throughout the game, as she was under a constant barrage of pressure facing 17 shots including eight on frame. "We had moments in the game that were really good, and we definitely have some pieces to build off of," Cavallo said. "Games like this absolutely prepare us for GNAC pay, and I'm impressed with our team's attitude and approach to it. It was disappointing to conceded three goals, but we have a lot of positives to build on and we are moving in the right direction for sure."
 
UM goalkeeper Claire Howard stopped Bloyder's on-target attempt, and earned her first shutout of the season between the posts.
 
Alexa Coyle put the hosts ahead in the 15th minute, scoring her first goal to give the hosts early momentum.
 
The Griz nearly doubled their lead with 1:20 to go before halftime, as Josie Windauer beat a pair of defenders into the goal box and blasted a shot just outside the near post from close range. Emme Fernandez nearly converted a chance from the top of the box seconds later, as her one-time left-footed attempt carried just outside the far post.
 
Taylor Hansen struck in the 51st minute, finishing a high cross by Coyle at the back post to double the Grizzlies' lead.
 
Keenan had another important stop 10 minutes into the second, leaping up to snag a strong shot by Taylor Stoeger from the top of the goal box. Stoeger put a finishing touch on the match in the 62nd minute however, tucking away UM's final goal of the match amid a crowded goal box.

Vendela Andersson was the lone MSUB field player to play the full 90 minutes in the match, while Izzy Menning and Jordan Roe started and played 80 minutes apiece. Emily Gaines and Ashley Cameron had MSUB's other two shots in the match, each coming off the bench and contributing in 27 minutes of playing time.
 
THE BUZZ: Keenan was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…MSUB is now 0-2 all-time against UM in official games.
 
COMING UP: The Yellowjackets make their 2021 spring home debut, with a pair of games against Black Hills State University next weekend at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on both March 13 and March 14, with live video available online here and live stats available online here.