BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team battled from behind to earn a hard-fought 1-1 tie versus Saint Martin's University in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets (2-4-3, 1-3-2 GNAC) conceded in the first half to give the Saints (3-3-4, 1-2-3 GNAC) an early lead, but for the second time this week, battled back from behind to earn a positive result. The tie extended the Yellowjacket's unbeaten streak to three games, it longest since 2021.
 
The 'Jackets started promisingly to begin the game, firing six shots over the first 22 minutes of the game, compared to just two from the visitors. However, it would be the Saints who would strike first, taking advantage of some confusion on a long free kick to pounce on the loose ball, with forward Alia Khoyi scoring to give Saint Martin's a 1-0 lead just five minutes before halftime, which they would hold onto heading into the break.
 
MSUB came out even sharper in the second half, looking to climb back into the game. The Yellowjacket defense allowed just two shots in the final 45 minutes, while the offense continued to threaten to find the equalizer. They would finally break through in the 74^th minute, when freshman winger Ave Roberts received the ball out wide, and sent the ball into the box. The freshman watched on as the ball continued to make its way towards goal, and clearing the keeper to give Roberts her first collegiate goal, and the Yellowjackets new life in the match with things evened up 1-1. The teams each had a shot in the final 15 minutes, but both the 'Jackets and the Saints clamped down defensively to see out the match, finishing even to share a point.
 
Robert's goal was assisted by Erika Wilson, who also finished with two shots in the game. Jackie Sharpe had four shots, while Jillian Hust had three, with one chance on goal. Kaari Little placed her lone shot on goal, while Lauren Becraft also had one shot. Goalkeeper Tuva Sallvin made one save in the match.
 
THE BUZZ: Roberts was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… she now has three points on the season, with one goal and one assist… Wilson's assist was her second of the season, giving her sole control of second place for the Yellowjackets, only trailing Little… The Yellowjackets have now scored 12 goals on the season, surpassing their 2022 total of 11, and have had eight different players find their way onto the scoresheet, compared to seven the previous season.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets look to continue their unbeaten run with two more home games next week, kicking things off with a game Thursday, October 12 against defending NCAA DII champion Western Washington. The game is scheduled to start at 4 PM, with tickets available online here. Live video will be available here, and live statistics will be available here.