Box Score
POCATELLO, Idaho (Nov. 2, 2012) – Montana, the defending Big Sky Champions, will be in the championship for the second straight season after defeating No. 2 Portland State in the first semifinal of the Big Sky Championship 3-2.
No. 3 seeded Montana had two early goals from Erin Craig and Mary Makris. Craig’s goal came in the sixth minute off of a cross from Tyler Adair Craig took a touch and shot it past PSU’s Lainey Hulsizer. Eight minutes later, Craig beat a couple of Portland State defenders then shot the ball off of the post, which was rebounded by Makris to give the Grizzlies the 2-0 lead over Portland State.
Portland State’s Daniela Solis cut UM’s lead in half with a goal in the 33rd minute from just outside the box. Solis bent it in the left side netting, just out of UM’s Kristen Hoon's reach.
After the break, Montana’s Mackenzie Akins scored to give UM the 3-1 lead. In the 72nd minute, Portland State’s Amanda Howie scored off of a cross to get the Vikings within one of the Grizzlies.
Portland State never found the equalizer, giving Montana the 3-2 win over Portland State. The Grizzlies outshot the Vikings 19 to 11. With Montana putting 10 shots on goal compared to Portland State’s five on goal.
In the final, Montana (12-6-2) will face the winner of the Idaho State vs. Weber State match which will start at 3 p.m. Mountain. The Grizzlies will be looking to defend their Big Sky title and will be seeking their fifth title.