BILLINGS, Mont. – Despite being out-shot 16-4 on Saturday afternoon at Yellowjacket Field, the Saint Martin's University women's soccer team prevailed for its first win of the 2017 season with a 2-0 result against Montana State University Billings in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
 
The Saints (1-9-1, 1-5-1 GNAC) scored their first goal on their only shot of the first half, and withstood MSUB's constant pressure to earn a shutout. The Yellowjackets (2-9-1, 1-5-1 GNAC) placed six of their 16 shots on target, but could not find the net two days after a four-goal performance against Simon Fraser University.

"This was a disappointing day for us," said MSUB head coach Stephen Cavallo. "Credit has to go to Saint Martin's, who finished their chances when we had lapses defensively. We need to regroup and get ready for Western Oregon on Thursday."
 
MSUB controlled the pace of play from the opening whistle, maintaining possession and pressuring the Saints from the start. SMU defended well enough to keep MSUB off the score sheet early however, and took command midway through the first half.
 
Tiare Kahalewai beat her defender with the ball just inside the box on the left side, and lofted a high, arcing shot inside the far post in the 27th minute to make the score 1-0. 

The 'Jackets out-shot the Saints 7-1 in the opening period, and earned three corner kicks. With a constant wind of 20 miles-per-hour gusting from the north, MSUB had a handful of looks towards goal with three shots in the final five minutes before the halftime break.
 
Playing with confidence and the lead, the Saints shifted the tables in the early part of the second half and moved possession into their favor.

 
MSUB appeared to equalize 12 minutes into the second half, when Jordan Devoto knocked a long cross from Alexa Iacolucci into the back of the net. The offside flag was raised however, disallowing the goal and keeping the lead in SMU's hands.
 
Defending well and playing patiently in the middle of the field, SMU's second goal was the result of a free kick on the left side with 15 minutes to go in the game.
 
Jessica Moskowitz lofted a pass into the box after the initial service was knocked away by MSUB's defense, and the Saints watched as Lauren Allison slotted home a masterful finish. The striker got her body over a side-volley shot with her right foot, driving a perfect shot towards the upper-v at the far post and into the net.
 
Frantically pressing forward in an attempt to equalize, the 'Jackets put heavy pressure on SMU's defensive unit with six shots over the final 12 minutes of play. Saint goalkeeper Ali Koehler played a pivotal role in earning her first shutout of the season, coming away with six saves including several big stops in the waning minutes of action.
 
Iacolucci led MSUB with four shots in the match, and Courteney Shovlin had three including two on target while pushing forward from her outside back position.
 
THE BUZZ: Iacolucci was named the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…MSUB is now 11-7-2 all-time against Saint Martin's and is 6-4 in home games…the Saints scored on their only two shots on goal in the match.
 
UP NEXT: The 'Jackets play their final two home matches of the season next week, against two more GNAC opponents. MSUB challenges Western Oregon University on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., before hosting Concordia University on Oct. 14 at 2 p.m. Next Saturday's match will be Senior Day, and the final home match of the 2017 season.