BILLINGS, Mont. – Falling behind in the opening 10 minutes didn't rattle the Montana State University Billings women's soccer team in its 2017 home opener Friday at Yellowjacket Field, as the 'Jackets rallied for four goals to defeat guest Black Hills State University 4-1.
 
Alycia Wright scored the first of her two goals on the afternoon in the 14th minute, and drilled home what ended up being the game-winner in the 54th minute. Wright's second goal was the first in a flurry of three finishes that all came within a span of seven minutes, as the 'Jackets established firm command early in the second half.


 
Jordan Devoto contributed her first goal of the year in the 58th minute on a terrific through ball from Lizzy Light, and Alexa Iacolucci scored on a set piece for the third straight game with her 25-yard goal in the 61st minute.
 
"The team responded to what we gave up early, and in the second half we were much more under control and much smarter with the ball," said Stephen Cavallo, who picked up his first career victory.
 
A defensive breakdown by MSUB led to the Yellow Jackets' only goal of the match, as Jayden Judy finished a high shot from the top of the box just under the crossbar on a pass from Caitlin Kelly 15 minutes into the match.
 
MSUB's first big chance came on a through ball by Wright 12 minutes into the game.

Devoto took a touch into the box, but BHSU goalkeeper Therese Wilhelmi charged off her line to knock it away. Wright was waiting on the left wing less than a minute later, and evened the score with a high-curling shot that tucked into the upper-right corner of the net. "It was good to see that we didn't let going down early phase us, and we came back and scored four goals," said Devoto, who's finish in the 58th minute was the fourth of her career. "Alycia is a classy player, and she is a rock for our program."
 
Hallie Vervair shut down a breakaway attempt for BHSU with 14 minutes left, sliding to make a key tackle in the defensive third.
 
MSUB had a final chance before halftime, winning a set piece on the left wing. Claire Tevaseu served in a cross and Natalie Cabiad got her head on it, but Wilhelmi came away with another save to keep the score at 1-1.
 
The 'Jackets hinted that they were on their way to taking the lead directly out of the halftime break, as Iacolucci played a strong, low cross into the box. Devoto nearly got to it in time, but Raven Johnson slid forward and smothered it. Wright followed five minutes later, receiving a pass from Courteney Shovlin inside a crowded box and smashing it high into the back of the net from close range.
 
Devoto patiently handled Light's pass into the box, and took a touch past her defender to beat the keeper from eight yards out.


 
Iacolucci put the game away three minutes later, curling home a lot shot that tucked into the side netting on the right goal post.


 
MSUB out-shot BHSU 17-7 in the match, and the 'Jackets placed 11 of those attempts on target. Goalkeeper Lili Delgadillo came away with four saves in the match, and Kalin Sandow and the back line limited BHSU's chances as they did not allow a corner kick.
 
THE BUZZ: Wright was picked as the St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Game…the goal was the ninth of Wright's career…freshman Samea Aljundi made her collegiate debut with 29 minutes off the bench for MSUB…Iacolucci led all players with five shots, including three on frame…Friday's game was the first-ever meeting between the teams.
 
COMING UP: MSUB takes on Colorado Christian on Sunday at 11 a.m., in another Rimrock Classic matchup. Live video and live statistics will be available online through MSUB's Stretch Internet portal here.