BILLINGS, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team played the team's first preseason game of the year, coming up on the wrong end of a 2-0 defeat to Rocky Mountain College in Rimrock Rivalry action sponsored by TDS Fiber.
 
Competing in their first game action of the season, the Yellowjackets took on the Battlin' Bears in exhibition play, finishing on the wrong side of the scoreline against their crosstown foe. Despite the defeat, the Yellowjackets showed promise throughout the match, attempting 12 shots and putting four looks on goal as the team prepared to open it's 2025 regular season campaign in two weeks' time. But Rocky would convert two of it's seven chances on net to take the victory on their home field under the lights.
 
Ava Curtright and Erika Wilson would each attempt a pair of shots in the match, with Curtright putting a single shot on goal. Along with her, Chloe Fredenburg, Briel Powers, and Cesia Swain would each put their lone shots of the game on goal. Jamie Maas, Kambryn Smith, and Nyah Attaway would each attempt a single shot. Natalie Weinmaster would make three saves in net across the first half, while Emma Powell would sub in for the second half, making two saves.
 
Shots would prove hard to come by in the opening 15 minutes as the two teams looked to figure each other out, with both squads managing just a single look. Rocky would put their shot on target, but Weinmaster would handle the chance with no issue. The team's total shots would remain equal during the half, each attempting six shots, with the hosts putting four on target and MSUB putting three chances on goal. But after threatening early, Rocky would finally break through on a free kick from Georgia Dean in the 34^th minute, taking an early lead. MSUB would look to equalize before halftime, but would be unable to put the ball in the back of the net, trailing 1-0 heading into halftime.
 
The second half would see the Battlin' Bears remain just as difficult to break down defensively, as MSUB continued to battle for an equalizing goal. But a 55^th minute chance from the hosts would be converted by Emma Lensing, doubling Rocky's advantage. MSUB would flash their talents with a number of bright moments as the half wore on, but would be unable to claw back a goal, placing just one of their six shots in the half on goal, before the final whistle would seal a 2-0 victory for the Battlin' Bears.
 
THE BUZZ: Curtright was selected as the Intermountain Health Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will continue to prepare for the regular season with their second preseason game, a scrimmage against North Idaho College. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27^th at Yellowjacket Field, with kickoff scheduled for 12 PM. Admission is free for all spectators.