LACEY, Wash. - The Saints' Women's Soccer closed out their 2017 home schedule with a 4-1 loss to Montana State Billings, in a rainy and windy match at the SMU Soccer Field.
Montana State Billings (3-10-2, 2-6-2) struck first in the match, scoring on a kick from roughly 25 yards out, bending around the far post. The Yellowjackets extended their lead over the Saints (1-12-1, 1-6-1) in the 39th minute when a shot from 20 yards out, in the middle of the field, found it's way over the outstretched hands of
Sara Christensen. Billings benefited from an own goal committed by the Saints in the 41st minute to take a 3-0 lead into halftime.
The Saints' offense applied pressure in the second half, opening the half with a shot on goal from
Amber Burbridge, followed by a corner from
Madison Walker in the 61st minute. The senior
Lauren Allison attempted two shots that were blocked in the 68th and 71st minute before the Saints broke through the Yellowjackets' defense in the 73rd minute. A fellow senior,
Dulce Armas, stepped into a shot from 20 yards out, tucking the ball inside the far post for her first goal in a Saints uniform to bring SMU within two.
Saint Martin's looked to further cut into the lead with a corner piece in the final seconds of the 80th minute, resulting in a shot from Burbridge that was blocked by the Yellowjackets. MSUB worked the ball down the pitch and sealed the victory with a goal in the 84th minute on a ball from 35 yards out in the middle of the field.
Lauren Allison finished the match with four shots, to lead all Saints, while Dulce Armas recorded two shots, both coming on goal with one resulting in a goal.
Brittany Orlosky and Burbridge each took two shots, with one landing on target.
Jade Castaneda and Kiersten combined for two shots.
Sara Christensen went all 90 minutes at goalkeeper for SMU, making four saves on 12 shots faced while allowing four goals.
The Saints will wrap up the 2017 season with three straight road matches, starting with a trip to Monmouth, Oregon to face Western Oregon on Saturday, October 21. First touch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
