BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team picked up an upset victory over conference foe #24 Western Oregon under the lights Thursday night, grabbing a 2-1 victory in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
Despite falling behind early, the Yellowjackets (2-4-2, 1-3-1 GNAC) refused to quit in the match, finding an equalizer early in the second half before earning a penalty in the 65^th minute, which Erika Wilson calmly slotted home to give the 'Jackets the lead, and eventually the win, their first in conference play this season.
 
"It was a great team effort for the team tonight," said MSUB head coach Abiye Jack, "WOU is a strong team and made us work every minute of the match tonight. Giving up the first goal could have been deflating, but the team responded well. We played with a lot of fight and focus in the second half to get control of the game, and get the win."
 
The Wolves dominated offensively early in the match. The visitors outshot the 'Jackets 9-1 in the opening half, finding their opening goal in the 23^rd minute off the foot of Lilly Nowatzke to make things 1-0. MSUB continued to withstand the Western Oregon attack as the half went on, but held strong, allowing just one shot on goal after the opener to stay within one at the half.
 
Western Oregon continued to find their offensive looks in the second half, but the Yellowjackets grew into the game after the break, finding their opportunities to turn things around early in the half. Despite just five shots in the game, four of MSUB's attempts came in the second half, and all of their shots were on goal. The 'Jackets found their equalizer in the 53^rd minute, following a penalty outside the box on the right side. Freshman Kaari Little swung it in, where it found Kendall McGraw, who would redirect the ball past a number of Wolves' defenders and into the back of the net, making things even once more. 13 minutes later, Little would once again prove pivotal for MSUB, when she drove past the Western Oregon back line before being taken down in the box, earning a penalty for the Yellowjackets. Erika Wilson would step up to the spot for the 'Jackets, calmly finishing the opportunity to give the Yellowjackets the lead.
 
The visitors continued to push for another goal, with multiple quality chances as the game wound to a close. But after subbing in at the 25-minute mark, MSUB goalkeeper Tuva Sallvin would help keep the Wolves off the scoresheet, and the Yellowjacket defense was able to clear the danger multiple times, never quitting until the final whistle, earning their first win over a ranked opponent since 2012.
 
McGraw, Little, and Wilson, along with Jackie Sharpe and Monica Brown each had a shot on goal in the game. Clare Keenan made two saves, and Sallvin made three in the match.
 
THE BUZZ: Wilson was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… it was Wilson's second goal of the season, moving the junior to five points on the season (two goals, one assist)… Little earned her third assist of the season, the most of any Yellowjacket this season… McGraw moved into the team lead for goals with three… with her two saves, Keenan moved into second in MSUB history for saves.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets play next on Saturday, October 7 against Saint Martin's University at Yellowjacket Field. Kick off is scheduled for 2 PM. Live video will be available here, and live statistics are available here. Tickets are available online here.