BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team came up just short in their first conference home matchup of the season, falling 1-0 against Simon Fraser in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets (1-3-1, 0-2-0 GNAC) played the Red Leafs (2-1-1, 1-1-0 GNAC) close all game, but were unable to find the back of the net all match, while Simon Fraser was able to take advantage of chaos in the box on a corner kick to score what would become the game-winning goal for the Red Leafs.
 
The Red Leafs pushed hard for a goal in the first half, attempting six shots and putting three on target. Despite that however, MSUB refused to break early, with goalkeeper Clare Keenan making three saves, and a number of key interventions to help keep Simon Fraser off the scoreboard. As the half wore on, the Yellowjackets continued to grow into the match, linking together to create three shots of their own before the end of the half, where the game would remain scoreless.
 
Five minutes after the start of the second half though, MSUB would concede. On a corner from the left side of the field, the ball would be swung in by Kate Certier, pushed on by Isabella Muzzolini, and finished by Kiera Scott, breaking the deadlock. It would prove to be the difference for the Red Leafs, who would manage to see off MSUB's comeback attempt to hold onto the lead. The Yellowjackets threatened throughout the second half with three shots on goal over the final 45, but were unable to find the equalizer.
 
Jackie Sharpe finished with three shots in the match for MSUB with two attempts on target. Jillian Hust and Lauren Becraft placed their only shot attempts on target, while Erika Wilson and Taylor Gertsch each had a shot for the Yellowjackets. Keenan made four saves in the match, moving her career total for the Yellowjackets to 223, ten away from the second most in program history.
 
THE BUZZ: Sharpe was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB hits the road for both of their GNAC matchups next week, kicking off their road trip against Central Washington on Thursday, September 28 in Ellensburg. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM PDT (4 PM MDT). Live video will be available here, while live statistics will be available here.