BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team played strong against #12 Western Washington University, but would be unable to pick up an upset result, falling 2-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
 
The Yellowjackets (3-13-0, 2-10-0 GNAC) would push the nationally ranked Vikings (12-1-4, 10-0-2 GNAC) to the brink, taking a tie game into the first half after the two teams would each net a first half goal. But a second half goal from the hosts would see Western Washington see off a challenge from MSUB, holding on to take the win.
 
The first half would see the Vikings hit the ground running, hitting the crossbar within the first minute of the game. Western Washington wouldn't have to wait long after that to find their opener, with Triya Mitchell scoring in the sixth minute to take the early advantage. The Vikings would continue to challenge the Yellowjacket's defense, with seven shots in the first 20 minutes, but MSUB would begin to find some attacking momentum of its own, with Erika Wilson and Cesia Swain putting the 'Jackets first shots on goal. After withstanding another Viking attack, the Yellowjackets would find space in the counterattack, with Swain working the ball up field, playing the ball on to Kambryn Smith. The freshman would dribble through a whole pack of Vikings, before placing a shot in the bottom left corner just out of the reach of WWU's goalkeeper, evening up the game with her third goal of the season. That scoreline would hold until halftime despite more chances for both teams to score, with both teams looking to pull ahead as the second half began.
 
Both offenses created less chances in the first 15 minutes of the second half, with the Vikings first two shots being handled by MSUB goalkeeper Natalie Weinmaster. But just after the game made its way into the 68^th minute, GNAC leading goal scorer Morgan Manalili would strike again with a goal to put the Vikings back in control of the game. MSUB would attempt to even things back up, with Swain attempting an impressive effort that bounced off the crossbar and Nyah Attaway putting a shot on goal. But neither effort would find their way in, and the final whistle would sound before MSUB would be able to find another goal, giving the Vikings a win on home field.
 
Swain finished with four shots and one shot on goal, while Jamie Maas attempted two shots with one on goal. Smith, Attaway, and Erika Wilson each placed their lone shots on target. MSUB as a team put five of their nine shots on goal as a team, while the Vikings put eight of their 16 total shots on goal. In net for the Yellowjackets, Weinmaster made five saves.
 
THE BUZZ: Kambryn Smith was named the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… her three goals lead the Yellowjackets, as well as her six points… Weinmaster now ranks fifth in the GNAC in saves with 48.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB's next game sees the 'Jackets return to Billings for their final home match of the season, playing host to Seattle Pacific University on Thursday, November 6 at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff is set for 2 PM MT, with live video available on the GNAC Network, and live statistics available here. Tickets for the match are available to purchase online here.