BILLINGS, Mont. – The Corban University women's soccer team earned an impressive 2-1 road victory over No. 16 Rocky Mountain College on Saturday afternoon at Wendy's Field to clinch their first postseason appearance since 2024. The Warriors received goals from freshman forward Haley Miersma and redshirt fifth year senior Kelli Huskic to secure the win, while redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Jordyn Labajo delivered a strong performance with 11 saves. Despite being outshot 26-6, Corban showed tremendous resilience and defensive determination to come away with the victory.
"Yeah, yuh! Always nice to beat a top 25 team!! We showed so much grit and character to get the result when we needed it most," said Warriors' head coach Tim Kagey.
Corban (7-8-3, 5-5-2) opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Miersma found the back of the net at the 31:24 mark to give the Warriors a 1-0 advantage. Rocky Mountain (8-8-0, 8-4-0) applied consistent offensive pressure throughout the opening half, recording 14 shots compared to Corban's four. However, Labajo and the Warrior defense stood strong, keeping the Battlin' Bears off the scoreboard heading into halftime.
The Warriors continued to battle in the second half, eventually extending their lead in the 73rd minute. Huskic found the back of the net at 72:22 to give Corban a valuable 2-0 advantage with less than 18 minutes remaining.
Rocky Mountain responded quickly, as Mya Maack scored at 74:55 off an assist from Ava Gibson to cut the deficit to one. The Battlin' Bears continued pushing for an equalizer, but Corban's defense held firm over the final minutes to preserve the 2-1 victory.
Offensively, Corban was led by Huskic, who recorded a team-high four shots, including two on goal, while adding a goal. Miersma finished with one shot on target and the opening goal. Labajo was instrumental in the victory, recording 11 saves across 90 minutes in goal.
Rocky Mountain finished with 26 shots, including 13 on goal, compared to Corban's six shots and three on target. Maack led the Battlin' Bears with four shots and one goal, while Charlize Davis recorded a team-high nine shots. Goalkeeper Matea Vernon finished with one save.
The Warriors will next compete in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament quarterfinals on Saturday, November 7th, in Medford, Oregon. Corban will look to carry its momentum into postseason play as it continues its pursuit of a conference championship, with their opponent still yet to be determined based on the result of tomorrow's matchup between Southern Oregon University and Warner Pacific University. More information on the Warriors' postseason matchup will be announced at a later date by the CCC and Corban Athletic Communications Department.
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