MISSOULA, Mont. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team were taken down by University of Montana on Sunday afternoon, falling by a score of 5-0 in non-conference play.
 
Playing what has traditionally been a preseason matchup to round out their first week of regular season action, the Yellowjackets (0-2-0) were challenged against the Grizzlies (3-2-1), with their DI competition playing up to their level on home soil. But despite a lopsided scoreline, the Yellowjackets would continue to battle against difficult competition, showing promising moments and refusing to give up until the final whistle.
 
It wouldn't take long for Montana to break through on the scoresheet, with Makena Smith scoring from a corner kick in the fifth minute to put the Griz in front early. But MSUB would put together a pair of shots of their own in the tenth minute as the 'Jackets threatened to push past a goal. But the home team would remain on the front foot, pushing hard to double their lead. They would accomplish just that in the 25^th minute, scoring once more from a corner kick. Maddie Ditta would slot the ball home for the Griz, and would do the same 11 minutes later to give UM a 3-0 lead, despite aggressive defending by the Yellowjackets and some excellent saves by goalkeeper Natalie Weinmaster.
 
The second half would be a similar story for both teams, with Montana striking once more on a penalty kick in the 50^th minute following a handball in the box. That scoreline would remain until the 88^th minute, when just shortly before the game would conclude, the Grizzlies would strike once more from the foot of Maycen Slater, sealing up a 5-0 victory for Montana.
 
Despite the scoreline, the game would be a valuable experience for many Yellowjackets, with 19 players entering the game. Midfielder Cesia Swain would lead MSUB with a pair of shots attempted, while Kambryn Smith and Hailee Gertsch would each post one shot attempt. Five Yellowjackets would play the full match, led by captains Erika Wilson and Ava Curtright, who would be joined by a freshman trio of Cianna Sexton, Kelsie Cox, and Natalie Weinmaster. Weinmaster would stand tall in net for MSUB, totaling six saves while making a number of excellent interventions throughout the match.
 
THE BUZZ: Weinmaster was named the Intermountain Health Player of the Game.
 
UP NEXT: MSUB is set to host it's first home game of the regular season next, facing off against Minot State University on Saturday, September 13 at Yellowjacket Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 PM, with live statistics available here, and live video available on the GNAC Network. Tickets for all home Yellowjacket soccer matches are available for purchase online here.