SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team rounded out it's non-conference slate of games Saturday, falling just short to Black Hills State University in a 1-0 defeat.
 
Coming out looking for a win to head into conference play with momentum, the Yellowjackets (1-3) would battle hard, but end up on the wrong side of a match on the road against the Yellow Jackets (3-1-2), with a late first half goal proving to be the difference for the hosts in the match. Black Hills State would control the majority of chances in the match, outshooting MSUB 16-9 overall and 7-4 in shots on goal.
 
Liberty Palmer would lead MSUB in shot attempts with three, while Kayden Harwood would attempt two shots, putting one attempt on goal. Joining her with a shot on goal was Cesia Swain, Cianna Sexton, and Briel Powers, who would each place their lone shot attempts on goal. Meanwhile in net, Emma Powell would total a career-best six saves, helping to keep MSUB in the fight.
 
Both sides would find some traction early in the game, but neither team would be able to put a shot on target until the 30^th minute, with both teams controlling sections of the first half. But after that first look on net, which would go for Black Hills State, the Yellow Jackets would put the pressure firmly on MSUB for the rest of the half, getting their break in the 40^th minute when Kayla Truong would find the back of the net. While the hosts would threaten to score more before heading into the break, four first half saves by Powell would help MSUB keep the game close, heading into halftime hoping to make a comeback.
 
MSUB would threaten to make good on their attempts as the second half commenced, with Sexton forcing a save on her shot in the top left corner in the 53^rd minute, before just moments later Palmer would strike an attempt which would hit the left post. But despite a strong second half offensive push, including three more shots on goal from the 'Jackets, MSUB would be unable to push the equalizer into the back of the net, falling short in their final matchup before conference play.
 
THE BUZZ: Powell was named the Intermountain Health Player of the Game… Harwood's appearance would be her first in regular season action for the 'Jackets.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB kicks off it's slate of GNAC games next week, kicking off a four-game homestand on Thursday, September 25 with a matchup against Western Oregon University at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff is schedule for 12 PM, with live video available here, and live statistics available here. Tickets are available for purchase online here.