Yellowjackets Rebound for 2-1 Overtime Victory at Saint Martin’s

Box Score

LACEY, Wash. – For the second time this season, the Montana State Billings women’s soccer team needed extra time to defeat Saint Martin’s. This time, Saint Martin’s rallied to tie the game, but MSUB senior Sara Gress answered with a breakaway goal in the 95th minute giving the Jackets a much-needed 2-1 victory.

“The team played with a lot of passion and desire today and found a way to win in overtime in a hard-fought GNAC battle between two good teams,” head coach Don Trentham said. “I am proud of everybody’s effort in rebounding from our loss at Western Oregon particularly my two senior captains.”

MSUB (9-8, 4-5 GNAC) opened the scoring in the first half as senior Mandy Ploskonka scored in the 23rd minute as she got a deflection off a defender for a 1-0 lead. The game remained 1-0 in favor of the Yellowjackets at half time. MSUB held a 4-3 lead in shots at intermission and a 1-0 lead in corner kicks. SMU had one save in the opening half.

The Saints (5-10-1, 3-6-1 GNAC) evened the score in the 77th minute as Shannon White scored off a corner kick by Jill Jensen for a 1-1 score. The game remained 1-1 through regulation.

In the 96th minute, Gress took the ball about 70 yards from the goal and dribbled forward. She then passed off to Ali Gamberg who hit Gress in stride with a through ball on a breakaway for the score and the game winner. It was Gress’ second goal of the season and first game winner.

“It was one of the best runs I have seen from a college defender in all of my years of coaching,” Trentham said.

For the game, the Yellowjackets held an 11-8 lead in shots and a 6-4 lead in shots on goal. SMU won the corner kick battle, 2-1 and had four saves to three for the Yellowjackets. MSUB goalkeeper, Jordan Fenwick, allowed one goal and had three saves.

Offensively, MSUB was led by Ploskonka who had three shots, one on goal and the first goal of the game. Gress scored on her only shot of the day. Gamberg added her fourth assist of the season.

The victory was the first road victory of the season for MSUB and the first win against a Division II opponent in the state of Washington in school history. In addition, it was the ninth win of the season, equaling last season’s win total.

The Jackets return home for the final home game of the season, Fri., Oct. 31 at 1 p.m., at the College of Technology Field against nationally ranked Western Washington.