SEATTLE – The Saints split their opening doubleheader with Montana State Billings to start the GNAC season, outpacing MSUB 3-2 in the opening game, before the Yellowjackets and Alyssa Etheridge completed a no-hitter to stun the Saints 8-1.
 
MSUB got on the board first in the opening game, scoring on a RBI single in the third inning. The Saints quickly responded, scoring two in the bottom half of the inning. Lauren Diuco's groundout drove home Kylie Vanderbout, before Kylie Lopez's fielder's choice scored Emery Norwood.
 
In the fourth, the Yellowjackets knotted the game back at 2-2 on a RBI double. The Saints did not wait long to score the eventual game-winning run, platting Vanderbout in the bottom of the fourth. Emily Thornton drove in the run with her double.
 
Lauren Maley went the first 2.2 innings, giving up one run before Brandi Schoessler (5-1) earned the victory with her 4.1 inning of relief. Schoessler gave up one run and struck out one batter.
 
In the second game, it was all MSU Billings from the start. The Yellowjackets scored first in the third with one run. SMU did manage to tie the game in the bottom of the third, scoring their lone run on a bases-loaded walk.
 
However, after that, SMU never found much offense, going hitless. Meanwhile, MSUB rallied to score eight runs in the game, including two in the fourth, fifth, and sixth inning. Montana State Billings scored their eight runs on 14 hits.
 
The Saints and the Yellowjackets will face off tomorrow at Seattle U. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.