Lady Jackets Clip Falcons to Stop Skid (10/20/06)
Box Score
Coach Trentham post game audio

ODESSA, TX – The Montana State-Billings women’s soccer team defeated University of Texas-Permian Basin 3-0 on Friday to notch its first win in over three weeks.  The win was the Jackets’ first since September 28 when they beat Dallas Baptist 1-0 in Billings.  MSUB improved to 12-4-1 on the season while the Falcons dropped to 3-14-1.

“All week we just talked about all of our hard work this season,” said Yellowjacket head coach Don Trentham.  “We’ve worked hard in training, and we’ve worked hard in every game.  We went through a bad stretch there.  It’s great to get the result and be rewarded for our hard work.”

The Yellowjackets wasted little time jumping into the lead.  Melissa Carlson (Renton, WA) scored her third goal of the season in the seventh minute for what would turn out to be the game-winner.  Carlson’s goal was assisted by Brittney Sandau (Billings, MT), her team-leading ninth assist of the year.

The Jackets took a 1-0 lead into halftime but closed the door with a pair of second half goals.  Jenny Moellendorf (Green River, WY) netted her second goal of the season in the 65^th minute on an assist from Janica Larsen (Salt Lake City, UT).  Sandau closed out the scoring in the 84^th minute with her eighth goal of the year. 

The Yellowjackets dominated the game from start to finish.  They out-shot the Falcons 23-2, including a 12-1 shots on goal advantage.  Yellowjacket goalkeeper Megan Plank (Phoenix, AZ) had to make just one second half save to record her school-record 22^nd career shutout. 

Friday’s game was the first of a three-game road swing for the Yellowjackets.  They will play at St. Edward’s University on Sunday and at Dallas Baptist University next Monday.  Those are two of the most important games of the season for the Jackets, who are fighting to earn their first trip to the NCAA Tournament.  MSUB closes out the regular season at home on October 28 against St. Edward’s University.

“Sunday is a very important game for us,” said Trentham.  “St. Edward’s is the top team in the conference, the No. 2 team in the region, and the No. 13 team in the country. They’re a good team.  We’re excited about the game.  It’s a great opportunity for us.  We’ve been in some tight games recently, and we’re just going in there trying to get the result.”