SEATTLE, Wash. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team opened the second half of conference play on the season with a 3-1 defeat to Seattle Pacific University in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets (4-6-2, 1-5-2 GNAC) battled hard against the Falcons (7-1-4, 5-0-3 GNAC) as they looked to start the second half of their conference schedule on a high note. The 'Jackets would outshoot the hosts 11-9 in a high intensity first half, and would head into the halftime break tied at 1-1. But Seattle Pacific would respond with a pair of second half goals, while the 'Jackets would be unable to get another goal in the second half, taking a tough road loss.
 
MSUB opened the first half strong in attack, attempting the half's first four shots in the opening six minutes, including three shots on goal. While the game would even out as the half wore on, the 'Jackets continued to attack strong, attempting 11 total shots and putting seven on target. But despite the efforts of the visitors, it would be the Falcons who would open the scoring first, with Ashlyn Valdovinos putting SPU ahead in the 29^th minute. The Yellowjackets would battle back shortly after though, with passes from Kendall McGraw and Jamie Maas opening up an opportunity in the 34^th minute for Ave Roberts, who would score her first goal of the season, and even the game at 1-1, a scoreline that would hold heading into halftime.
 
The Falcons would adjust well heading into the second half, limiting the Yellowjackets scoring opportunities by conceding just four shots in the second half, while doubling the 'Jackets total themselves with eight. They would take the lead back in the 64^th minute when an unfortunate deflection in the box would find it's way into the MSUB goal, and would add onto their lead in the 81^st minute, with Valdovinos scoring her second of the match to give the hosts a cushion late. MSUB would push late, but were unable to find another scoring opportunity in the half, taking the loss in the final stop of their GNAC road trip.
 
Jackie Sharpe would lead the Yellowjackets in shots and shots on goal, putting up five and three respectively. Erika Wilson attempted three shots with one on goal, while Taylor Gertsch had two shots with one on goal, and Roberts and Attaway put their lone shots on target. Kendall McGraw had two shots, while Liberty Palmer attempted one. Claire Brogdon made five saves in the match.
 
THE BUZZ: Roberts was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… her goal was the second of her career, and moved her to three points in the 2024 season, with one goal and assist each.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets return home for a pair of games next week, opening their week at Yellowjacket Field on Thursday, October 24 with a game against Saint Martin's University. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM, with live video available here, and live statistics available here. Tickets are available for purchase online here.