BURNABY, B.C.  – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team were unable to find a result against Simon Fraser University Thursday night, falling 1-0 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The loss officially eliminated the Yellowjackets (5-8-3, 4-7-2 GNAC) from contention for a spot in the GNAC Championships, following a resurgent second half of conference play. A first half goal from the Red Leafs (6-5-4, 5-5-3 GNAC) would prove to be the difference in the match, despite the Yellowjackets putting more shots on goal than Simon Fraser in the match.
 
Both teams had their chances in the early going, with the squads trading shots throughout the opening of the first half. But following an excellent move from the outside, a ball into the box would be tapped into the back of the net by SFU's Sarah Caravatta, giving the Red Leafs the lead in the 28^th minute of play. MSUB would threaten once more before the half was out, but the score would remain 1-0 in favor of the hosts as the halftime horn rang.
 
The Yellowjackets came out of halftime ready to fight back into the match, and did their best to do so, totaling eight shots and threatening to equalize throughout the half, keeping pressure on the Simon Fraser defense throughout the final 45 minutes. The 'Jackets nearly found the tying goal in the 76^th minute when Liberty Palmer attempted a shot from far out with the keeper off her line. Palmer's shot would go just over the crossbar though, and despite a continued late push, the 'Jackets would be unable to find a point in the match.
 
Jackie Sharpe led MSUB with five shots, putting two attempts on target. Palmer, along with Mackenzie Carnell, attempted two shots with one shot on goal. Monica Brown put her lone attempt on target, while Erika Wilson totaled two shots and Kendall McGraw attempted one. Tuva Sallvin made three saves for the 'Jackets.
 
THE BUZZ: Sharpe was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets conclude their season when they face off against Western Washington this Saturday, November 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM PDT (2 PM MDT). Live video will be available here, and live statistics will be available here.