ELLENSBURG, Wash. – The Montana State University Billings women's soccer team was bested on the road by Central Washington University on Saturday, falling 2-1 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.
The Yellowjackets (2-7-5, 2-6-2 GNAC) fell behind in the first half to the Wildcats (4-7-4, 4-4-2 GNAC), with the hosts doubling their lead on a goal following a blocked penalty kick. Jordyn Daigle put one in the back of the net late in the second half to help MSUB halve the lead, but the 'Jackets were unable to overcome the deficit, falling to Central Washington to conclude their week on the road.
Daigle attempted two shots in the match, placing both of her efforts on goal. Her goal marked the first of her collegiate career, while moving her up to three points on the season with a goal and an assist. Abby Thompson attempted MSUB's other shot on goal in the game on her lone attempt. Maggie James attempted two shots, while Cesia Swain and Peyton Tarabokija each took one shot.
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In net, Tenley Leffler made 11 saves, marking her third game with double-digit saves this season. The freshman increased her conference-leading saves total to 88, climbing to seventh all time on MSUB's single-season saves list. One of Leffler's saves also came from the penalty spot, marking the first PK save of her career.
Leffler was called into action twice in the first 10 minutes, saving both efforts while the ball spent the majority of the opening minutes in the midfield. But the Wildcat offense kicked into gear to make the first half a busy one for MSUB defensively, with Central Washington outshooting MSUB 9-1 in the first half and putting six efforts on goal. Their efforts were rewarded in the 35th minute, when Alexa Stanfield fired a shot across goal into the bottom left corner, putting the 'Jackets behind and chasing a goal before halftime.
The second half remained a busy affair for the Yellowjackets' defense, with the Wildcats attempting four shots in the first 10 minutes of the second half to keep the pressure high. MSUB found its first shot on goal in the 59th minute from Thompson, but the effort was handled by CWU goalkeeper Danika Galbraith to keep her team ahead. The comeback effort became more difficult in the 65th minute, when a foul in the box saw the Wildcats awarded a penalty kick. That effort was turned away by a diving Leffler, but the Wildcats rushed the box, with Jaylee Reynolds tapping in their second goal.
MSUB's offense found some openings after the restart with strong looks from Daigle and Swain, but the Wildcats continued to attack in their pursuit of a chance, outshooting MSUB overall 14-6 in the second half. Leffler stood tall, making four saves in a three-minute stretch of play with two more blocks by the Yellowjacket defense shortly after to keep the scoreline where it was. The 'Jackets finally broke through following a blocked shot attempt by Tarabokija, with the ensuing scramble seeing Daigle find the ball and send a lobbed effort over a recovering goalkeeper and the outstretched leg of a defender to put the 'Jackets behind by one. MSUB was unable to find a shot on goal in the remaining minutes of the match, with the Wildcats holding on to take the win despite the 'Jackets' late push.
THE BUZZ: Daigle was named the Player of the Game. Daigle became the fifth different Yellowjacket to score a goal this season, and the second to record both a goal and an assist on the campaign. Ava Curtright once again played 90 minutes in defense, playing the full match for the 14th time this season and leading all Yellowjacket outfield players in minutes. Leffler has now totaled the top three single-game save totals in the conference this season, and five of the top 10 efforts.
UP NEXT: The Yellowjackets will return home to host a pair of home matches next week, beginning the penultimate week of regular season play with a matchup against Simon Fraser University on October 22 at Yellowjacket Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., with tickets available to purchase online here. Live video can be found on the GNAC Network, and live statistics are available here.
