BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team was defeated in it's first conference game of the season, falling 2-1 to Seattle Pacific in Great northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Yellowjackets (3-2, 0-1) controlled large stretches of play, and had the lion's share of chances against the team picked to finish first in the GNAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, outshooting the Falcons (3-1-1, 1-0 GNAC) 19-8 total, and 8-7 in shots on goal. But the visitors would be the ones who emerged victorious, scoring the game's first two goals to work a multi-goal lead in the second half. MSUB would finally break through in the 83^rd minute, but it wouldn't be enough to find a result as the 'Jackets went down, despite a quality showing on the field.
 
The two teams traded shots on target in the opening five minutes, with Kendall McGraw breaking the line and threatening to score on MSUB's first shot of the match. But after an even opening to the first half, the Yellowjackets would find a rhythm, keeping the ball inside their attacking half and creating chances between strong build up play and a quality press. MSUB would outshoot the Falcons 8-5 in total over the first half, but Seattle Pacific would open the scoring in the 26^th minute when the Falcon's Maya Parman would find the end of a cross. Her first effort was saved by Claire Brogdon, but the rebound fell kindly for the midfielder, who would give SPU a 1-0 lead that would hold until halftime, despite the 'Jackets first half efforts.
 
MSUB would once again start strong in the second half, owning the majority of chances across the final 45 minutes. The 'Jackets would outshoot the Falcons 11-3 in total for the second half, including 5-3 in shots on goal. They would be unable to find the tying goal however, and suffered another setback in the 63^rd minute when Taylor Kruger's effort made it a 2-0 game in favor of the Falcons. The Yellowjackets would continue to battle hard, and were rewarded for their efforts finally in the 83^rd minute when a well struck Sunny Bennion free kick found the top right corner and cut the lead to one. But the Yellowjackets would run out of time to steal back a point, unable to find another goal before the final whistle sounded, giving the Falcons the 2-1 victory.
 
Liberty Palmer totaled five shots for the 'Jackets, while Taylor Gertsch attempted four, both putting one shot on goal. Jamie Maas and Maddie Smith each attempted two shots, with Maas putting both of her attempts on goal. Bennion had one shot on goal, as did McGraw and Ava Curtright, while Erika Wilson and Lexi Harris each had one shot. Claire Brogdon made five saves in net.
 
THE BUZZ: Bennion was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… Her goal was her first of the season, and the second of her Yellowjacket career… Maas now leads the Yellowjackets in shots on goal with eight on the season, putting 66.7% of her chances on frame.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB faces another tough test Saturday, heading north of the border to square off against the defending GNAC Tournament Champions Simon Fraser on Saturday, September 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM MT (12 PM PT), with live video available here, and live statistics available here.