BILLINGS, Mont. – The Western Oregon women's soccer team fell on the road against the Yellowjackets of Montana State Billings on Thursday afternoon, 3-1. The Wolves suffered their second straight loss to begin Great Northwest Athletic Conference play and fall to 3-4 overall while MSUB notched its first victory of the season (1-4-1, 1-0).
 
The Wolves had an opportunity to strike first in the opening minutes, which later proved to be their best chance of the first half. Off a corner kick from Taylor Higa, Meli Cortez sailed a shot high over the MSUB goal just 73 seconds in. The match remained scoreless until Alycia Wright floated a cross over a defender's head and Hayley Warren finished with a six-yard shot to send the hosts into halftime with a 1-0 lead.
 
MSUB had a slim 4-3 shot advantage in the first half, yet had a 2-0 push with shots on goal.
 
The Yellowjackets doubled their lead just 11 minutes into the second half despite a strong offensive effort from the Wolves. Dana Lubieniecki connected with a long shot over Caitlin Kastelic's head after a feed from Kylee Wolfe for the 2-0 lead.
 
In the 66^th minute, Higa took control on the ball and fired a shot that bounced of MSUB keeper Lili Delgadillo and the left post before settling into the net to trim the host's lead to 2-1.
 
MSUB added a goal in the 71^st minute from Jordan Devoto.
 
From there, the Yellowjackets' defense allowed Western Oregon to take just two shots for the remained of the match. Savannah Bogan fired from the top of the box missing wide while Higa's second effort of the game at 87:07 also sailed wide.
 
The Wolves held a 10-8 advantage in total shots, and also led 2-1 in corner kicks.
 
Kastelic made three saves for WOU.
 
Up Next
Western Oregon will travel home for a Saturday afternoon match with Northwest Nazarene. Match begins at 1 p.m. Saturday is Youth Day with gifts and items from US Youth Soccer. Fans will also be able to "Meet the Wolves" with a post-match autograph session where 2016 WOU Soccer Schedule Posters will be available. The match will also have television coverage in the Salem-area on KWVT and will be streamed online at WOUWolves.com/Live.