The University of Idaho women's soccer team began the 2004 season with a 2-1 loss to the University of Montana at the Montana Nike Cup Tournament in Missoula, Mont., Sunday.

The Grizzlies (1-0-0) jumped to a 1-0 lead near the 18-minute mark of the first half and held that lead until halftime. After the half, the Grizzlies struck again near the 72-minute mark, putting them up 2-0. The Vandals (0-1-0) closed the gap with a goal by Jenny Springer in the final minute of the game, but it was too little, too late as the Vandals fell 2-1.

"Our team looked like it has taken a step in the right direction," Vandal head coach Arby Busey said. "We had a lot of good chances to put the ball in the net, which is different than a lot of our games from last year. The next step is to take those chances and put them away. The attitude and the effort this team showed today are both definitely a good place to start. Montana surprised us with their effort and was definitely the aggressors today."

Busey was encouraged by his team outshooting the Grizzlies 14-8 and garnering a 5-4 margin in shots on goal. The lone Vandal score came at 89:09 on an unassisted goal by Jenny Springer.

The Vandals now move on to take on Denver Sunday (Aug. 29) at 11 a.m. Denver fell to Washington State in the early match of the tournament.

"Our game with Denver should be a really good game," Busey said. "They are in the same situation as us coming off a loss and will be hungry for a win. It will be a good test for us."