MOSCOW, Idaho – The Idaho Vandals (0-3-0, 0-1-0 BSC) fell, 1-0, to Montana (2-0-0, 1-0-0 BSC) on Friday evening to begin Big Sky Conference play. The Griz scored in the fourth minute off a free kick.

The Vandals had the first chance of the game, less than a minute in. Myah Merino drove down the left flank and got a shot off that just missed the frame. In the fourth minute, a foul was called on Idaho just outside of the box and Alexa Coyle scored on the ensuing free kick to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, Margo Schoesler forced a save out of Griz keeper Claire Howard on a shot that was headed for the upper corner. The rest of the half was end-to-end action, and although Idaho outshot Montana, 8-6, the Griz took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

The second half continued to be a physical battle between the conference foes. UM took the first three shots of the period, but the Vandal defense held firm. Idaho's best chances came in the 73rd minute when a ball across the face of the goal just missed a Vandal foot before it was whipped back in and Maddy Lasher was able to get a headed shot off which was blocked out for a corner. Nothing came out of the ensuing corner kick, and the Griz were able to hold on for the 1-0 victory.

Montana outshot Idaho, 10-9, in the game, and had four shots on goal compared to three by the Vandals. Merino and Schoesler each had two shots to lead the home side. Idaho had four corner kicks, while UM had three, all in the second half. The Griz committed 17 fouls, while the Vandals had 10. Avrie Fox (0-3-0) took the loss for Idaho. She made three saves in 90 minutes. Claire Howard (2-0-0) earned the win for Montana, making three saves.

JEREMY CLEVENGER QUOTES:


NEXT UP: The Vandals and Griz will battle again on Sunday, March 14. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome.

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