BILLINGS, Mont. – The first career goal by Montana State University Billings women's soccer freshman Amanda Grimshaw in the 29th minute marked the first time the 'Jackets scored first this season, but visiting Colorado Christian University rallied to score the next two goals and defeat the host 2-1 Sunday at Yellowjacket Field.
 
The Damascus, Ore., native found the net in the 29th minute, bending a high shot from 25 yards out into the upper-right corner of the net. CCU (2-1) evened the score 10 minutes later however, and Lauren Cardoza scored the game-winner in the 58th minute after a giveaway by the 'Jackets. MSUB fell to 1-3 with the loss, finishing the 2017 Rimrock Classic presented by TNT Automotive & Marine with a 1-1 record.
 
"We are disappointed with the result, but this was a good test for our team," said MSUB head coach Stephen Cavallo. "Colorado Christian was physical and fast, and it was good to see our team respond to that. Overall, this was a performance we can build off of as we prepare for our first GNAC game on Saturday."
 
MSUB was out-shot 15-4 in the match, as CCU kept consistent pressure on the Yellowjackets' back line.
 
Alycia Wright had a clean look from the top of the box seven minutes into the match, and CCU goalkeeper Ashleigh Maguire passed her first test of the day with a save on the on-target shot. It was the first of

three saves Maguire made over the 90 minutes, as the CCU defense did a good job of limiting MSUB's chances. 

CCU came inches away from taking the lead with 20 minutes to play in the first, as Alyssa Regalado curled a 25-yard free kick off the top of the crossbar.
 
Grimshaw's strike came four minutes later, after she gained control of a loose ball on the left side of the field. Firing a shot before her defender could catch up, Grimshaw's right-footed strike was perfectly placed under the crossbar. "The goal from Amanda was a special effort," Cavallo said. "It was quite the way to score your first collegiate goal."
 
A corner kick spelled trouble for MSUB as time wound down in the first, and the Cougars capitalized to pull even. MSUB's defense couldn't rid itself of the loose ball inside a crowded goal box, and Madison McLain tucked a low shot into the right corner of the net.
 
The 'Jackets went without a strong chance to equalize after conceding the lead, as the CCU defense made the one-goal advantage hold up.
 
Defensively for MSUB, Kalin Sandow turned in 80 quality minutes at center back and Courteney Shovlin clocked 82 minutes at outside back.
 
RIMROCK CLASSIC: The Yellowjackets were joined by the parents of Trevor Wildberger, John and Tammy Wildberger, for Sunday's game in the tournament honoring their late son. "We couldn't be more grateful to have John and Tammy Wildberger on the sideline with us today," Cavallo said. "Their presence lifted the spirits of our team, and today was much more than just a college soccer match."
 
THE BUZZ: Grimshaw was selected as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…all three of MSUB's losses this year have been by the score of 2-1…CCU is now 3-2 all-time against MSUB…Natalie Cabiad and Samea Aljundi each made their first collegiate start for the 'Jackets on Sunday.
 
COMING UP: Conference play begins next week for the Yellowjackets, who will open their 2017 Great Northwest Athletic Conference schedule at Northwest Nazarene University next Saturday. First, MSUB will travel to Helena, Mont., to take on Carroll College next Thursday in a final tune-up before league play begins.