After a strong start, Vandal women’s soccer fell to the Montana Grizzlies, 2-1, at the Kibbie Dome on Friday night.
Three minutes in, Vandal senior midfielder Maddie Haas made the first goal of the game, assisted by sophomore forwards Maddy Lasher and Jadyn Hanks.
Vandals stayed ahead for the rest of the first half. The Griz led in shots, 12-2, and shots on goal, 8-1, but Vandal senior goalkeeper Avrie Fox kept them at bay.
“She’s a stud back there for us,” coach Jeremy Clevenger said.
Clevenger said Fox has been a rock for the team, who had 12 saves in this game alone.
Not long into the second half, though, Montana struck back. Montana tallied 22 shots overall in the game, and Idaho only made 7. Montana fifth-year forward Taylor Stoeger made two goals, bringing her team into the lead, and the Vandals weren’t able to recover.
“Montana did a good job of responding after we went up a goal, so I give them a lot of credit,” Clevenger said.
Clevenger said the game was disappointing. The Vandals had opportunities and momentum, but the second half didn’t pan out to be what they thought or hoped for.
“We’re young,” Clevenger said. “They’re learning how to manage Big Sky Conference games.”
Idaho started the season with the best record in program history but has struggled since entering conference play. Vandals sit at No. 8 in Big Sky standings, with a conference record of 2-4-1 and 8-5-2 overall.
According to a press release, Montana has won all five matches with Idaho since the Vandals moved to the Kibbie Dome in 2017.
Vandals only have two more conference matches to go this season. On Sunday, Oct. 17, Idaho will have senior night and play their last game at home against the University of Northern Colorado. Then they’ll hit the road for their final scheduled conference match against Eastern Washington University on Oct. 24.
Cody Roberts can be reached [email protected] or on Twitter @CodyRobReports