BILLINGS, Mont. – Scoring twice in the final five minutes of the first half on Thursday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field, visiting Saint Martin's University used a burst of momentum to stun host Montana State University Billings 4-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference women's soccer action.
 
The Yellowjackets (1-5-2, 1-2 GNAC) led 1-0 on the first goal of the year by Sydney Torres, and appeared in control playing into the 41st minute. But an own goal by MSUB followed by a finish from Mia Fleming with two seconds on the clock before halftime turned the tables for the rest of the match.
 
A lightning delay that set back the second period by nearly 45 minutes played into SMU's favor, as the Saints scored again just four minutes into the second on a finish by Rayvn Mummey. A 78th-minute strike by Taylor Goodpaster put the game to bed as the Yellowjackets endured a tough home defeat. Saint Martin's improved to 3-2-1 overall and is now 1-1-1 in league play.
 
The Yellowjackets took the lead midway through the first half, during a strong offensive spell of threatening in the attacking third. The goal was generated by Jackie Sharpe, who fired a powerful shot on frame that bounced off the hands of SMU goalkeeper Alli Campigotto. Torres was in perfect position near the far post to tap the carom into the back of the net for her first goal of the season.
 
The Saints got on the board in the 41st minute, when miscommunication on the Yellowjacket back line wound up in an own goal to even the score at 1-1.
 
SMU stunned MSUB by taking the lead with two seconds left before halftime, when Bri Yamada lofted a hopeful, high cross towards the six-yard box. MSUB goalkeeper Clare Keenan began to gain possession of the ball, but not before Fleming was able to jostle it free and into the back of the net.
 
Mummey's finish came on a sloppy giveaway by the 'Jackets near the goal box, as she quickly stole the ball and tucked a high, left-footed shot over the head of Keenan from 18 yards out to make the score 3-1. The two-goal advantage deflated MSUB's hopes at a comeback, and the Saints continued to press forward into the latter part of the match.
 
The final goal came on a long run down the right flank by Goodpaster, who beat a defender into the box and punched a left-footed shot off a defender and into the back of the net. Goodpaster led all players in the match with three shots including two on frame, while Fleming was the other Saint with multiple strikes. SMU won despite being out-shot 13-8, as the Saints' chances proved to be more dangerous.
 
Sharpe had three shots and two on target for the 'Jackets, while Torres, Taylor Gertsch, and Leila Clark each finished with two shots. Jillian Hust also landed a shot on frame, but Campigotto finished the match with six saves to seal the win. One of her top denials came with 15 minutes to go, when she leapt up to deny a shot by Clark that was headed for the back of the net.
 
Keenan finished with two saves for the Yellowjackets, and Sydney Wate played 87 minutes on the back line for the 'Jackets.
 
THE BUZZ: Torres was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…it was Torres's fourth goal in an MSUB uniform…the assist was the first of Sharpe's career…MSUB is now 14-11-2 all-time against Saint Martin's and 7-7 in home matches against the Saints.
 
AHEAD: MSUB is back in action Saturday with a 1 p.m. kickoff against Western Oregon at Yellowjacket Field. Live coverage for the match will be available online here.