BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team opened its season Thursday night with a hard-fought loss to Minot State University on the first day of the Rimrock Classic.
 
The Yellowjackets (0-1) were held scoreless by the Beavers (2-0), despite outshooting their opponents 12-3 in the game, and 7-0 in the second half. Minot State withstood the Jacket's attack, making a number of solid defensive plays to hand the Jackets their first loss of the season.
 
"It was a tough result," said MSUB head coach Abiye Jack about his first regular season game in charge. "We controlled the game well, and we had a lot of possession in our attacking half, but just weren't able to convert that into goals. Minot did well to capitalize on their opportunity, and their defense was tough all night."
 
The Yellowjackets came out attacking early, with a trio of corner kicks in the first two minutes of the game, and the majority of chances early in the match. They were unable to convert however, with Minot State goalkeeper Siriana Gudino making multiple saves and clearances throughout the opening stages of the game. Despite their lack of chances though, it would be the Beavers who would grab the game's only goal, scoring in the 27^th minute. Following a tackle just outside their own box, Sofia Galvez sent a long ball soaring over the Yellowjacket's backline, which would be received by forward Illiana Rivera, who shook off the pressure from the crashing MSUB defense to slot home the goal. The Beavers would only have one more shot after Rivera's goal, and none in the final 45 minutes. But between solid defending, and seven saves from Gudino, the Yellowjackets were unable to pull one back.
 
Jackie Sharpe led MSUB with four shots, two of which were on goal. Erika Wilson finished with three shots and one on goal, while both Kaari Little and Taylor Ingram placed both of their chances on target. Goalkeeper Clare Keenan made one save.
 
THE BUZZ: Defender Rylee Braden was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game in her regular season debut as a Yellowjacket… Also making their Yellowjacket debuts in the game were Wilson, Little, Lexi Harris, Chloe Fredenburg, Sunny Bennion, and Ave Roberts.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB looks to wrap up the Rimrock Classic on a positive note when it plays it's second game of the week on Saturday, September 9^th against Carroll College. Kickoff is set for 3 PM at Yellowjacket Field, with live video available here and live statistics available here. Tickets may be pre-purchased online here.