BILLINGS, Mont. (Oct. 15) – A pair of first half goals led the Central Washington University women's soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Montana State Billings.  The Wildcats are now 11-2-1 overall and 6-1-1 in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.  The Yellow Jackets are now 3-8-2 overall and 3-4-1 in GNAC play.
 
It is the first time the Wildcats have won on the road against Billings since 2013.  It is also the first regular season sweep against Billings since 2013.
 
"Beautiful day in Billings, couldn't ask fore more perfect soccer weather," CWU Head Coach Mike Farrand said.  "Great start to the day with two goals in the first 20 minutes, we played the first half out well."
 
The Wildcats got off to a quick start offensively.  Mackenzie Nolte drove a shot wide in the 10^th minute and Kaysha Darcy had a shot blocked in the 13^th minute.  The early chances kept the Yellowjackets on the defensive before the scoring opened in the 16^th minute.
 
A service from 10 yards out careened off a 'Jackets defender before ricocheting off the post and over the goal line, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead.
 
Keilin Farrand gave Central breathing room in the 17^th minute.  A failed clearance led to Farrand collecting possession and firing from the top of the box, beating Lili Delgadillo low for a 2-0 lead.
 
Billings' defense settled down and kept the Wildcats from gaining any further opportunities until the 41^st minute, when Darcy's shot from the left wing was gathered and held by Delgadillo.
 
As the first half was brought towards a close, Bailey Griglio fired a shot towards Emily Holt that the Wildcats' freshman keeper was able to handle.
 
The 'Jackets responded in the 51^st minute on a shot by Dana Lubieniecki that curled in off the post and brought Billings back within one. 
 
Central piled up the scoring chances in the second half.  A shot from Darcy was blocked in the 52^nd minute, leading to a drive from Nolte that was kept out by Delgadillo, preserving the 2-1 score. 
 
Emmi Seelbach had a shot on goal in the 62^nd minute, but again Delgadillo was able to make the save.
 
The Wildcats put together another trio of chances, but could not find an insurance marker. 
 
In the 73^rd minute Kari Kastelic fouled Michaela Wallace in the box, giving the Wildcats a penalty kick.  Abbie Litka's penalty attempt was stopped by Delgadillo, keeping the score at 2-1.
 
"We recovered well from their goal and played the last 20 minutes in their half and were able to squeeze time out," Farrand noted.  "We are keeping ourselves in the chase and happy to head home with the win."
 
The Wildcats kept the pressure on as time wound down in the minutes and came away with a 2-1 win, keeping their road record perfect at 5-0-0.
 
The Wildcats are back in action on Thursday (Oct. 20) in Ellensburg against Northwest Nazarene University for Senior Day.  Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.