Billings, Mont. — The OUAZ women's soccer team opened the 2026 season on Saturday evening with a 3-0 road loss to Rocky Mountain at Herb Klindt Field.
The Spirit generated several scoring opportunities throughout the match but were unable to break through against Rocky Mountain goalkeeper Matea Vernon, who recorded the shutout. OUAZ finished with six shots, including efforts on goal from Grace Otero, Meredith Galus, and Alee Williams.
Rocky Mountain struck first in the opening half when Mia Daskalovska found the back of the net in the 27th minute off an assist from Charlize Davis, giving the Battlin' Bears a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The home side added two more goals in the second half. Davis doubled the lead in the 58th minute on an assist from Morgan Hayes before Grace Curnow capped the scoring in the 72nd minute with a goal assisted by Reese Jeffers.
Goalkeeper Eerika Erjansalo kept the Spirit in the match with several key stops, recording seven saves on the night.
OUAZ will return home for its home opener and Great Southwest Athletic Conference opener on Thursday, Sept. 10, when it hosts Embry-Riddle at 5 p.m. in Surprise.
