BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team was defeated Saturday by #24 Seattle Pacific University, falling 2-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets (2-6-3, 1-5-2 GNAC), were unable to overcome a pair of early goals from the Falcons (9-2-2, 6-0-2 GNAC), despite giving the GNAC leaders a run for their money in the second half. The 'Jackets were able to get one back with a goal from Liberty Palmer, but couldn't find another in the match.
 
The Falcons got off to a quick start offensively, scoring on their second shot of the game when Lauren Snedeker placed the ball in the back of the net three minutes into the game. They would continue their hot start with a second early goal, this time from Taylor Heit, taking a 2-0 lead just 12 minutes into the match. Overall in the first 45 minutes, Seattle Pacific outshot MSUB 8-3, and 4-2 in shots on target, keeping the 'Jackets off the scoresheet heading into halftime.
 
The Yellowjackets were able to flip a switch in the second half however, led in part by a more aggressive offense, which put up seven shots over the final half, four of which were on goal. They were spearheaded by Palmer, the 2021 GNAC Freshman of the Year, who returned to play this week for the first time since an injury in early 2022. She wouldn't need much time to make an impact in the second half, scoring 71 seconds after the second half began, closing the gap to just one. The 'Jackets battled to find an equalizer, threatening multiple times late in the match. But they were unable to break through, with the Falcons surviving to remain undefeated in conference play.
 
Palmer's goal was her lone shot in the match. Kaari Little had two shots, with one on goal. Vivien Guese was credited with the assist, the first of her collegiate career. Jillian Hust, Sunny Bennion, Monica Brown, and Chloe Fredenburg all put a single shot on target. Erika Wilson had two shots. MSUB goalkeeper Tuva Sallvin made six saves.
 
THE BUZZ: Palmer was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… her goal was her first since the 2021 season, and the sixth of her MSUB career.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets play their next two matches on the road, with the first game of their road trip coming against Saint Martin's University on October 19 in Lacey, Washington. Kickoff is schedule for 1 P.M. PDT (2 P.M. MDT). Live video for the match will be available here, and live statistics available here.