(St George, UT – Oct 4, 2026) – Utah Tech women's soccer gets an own goal and one from
Ella Cotter in the first half to roll past the defending Big Sky champions on Sunday morning to complete a perfect 2-0 homestand.
On a hot, sunny October morning, Utah Tech (6-4-1, 2-0-0) took to pitch looking for a 2-0 start to their inaugural Big Sky Conference season.
UT got off to a quick start where
Brooke Hendricks crossed one in front of the net and was deflected in by a Grizzly (3-7-0, 1-1-0) defender for an own goal, giving Utah Tech an early 1-0 lead.
Utah Tech's first shot attempt came just over a minute later as
Ella Rusick, who is tied for the Big Sky lead in goals, fired a shot off the post.
In the 32nd minute, the Blazers earned a corner kick.
Lataya Brost took the corner, where it was controlled by
Bre Koscielski, who was making her season debut, who set up
Michelle Rodriguez and she put it in the back of the net. After video assisted review, it was determined there was a hand ball before the shot, so the goal was disallowed.
Just over five minutes later, UT gained control off of a Montana turnover, and
Ella Cotter was set up beautifully by
Lataya Brost and
Gianna Tomasello who poked it past the keeper to extend the lead to two. The goal was Cotter's first of the season.
Utah Tech outshot Montana 6-3 in the first half, and held a 2-0 lead after the first 45 minutes of play.
Both teams had plenty of scoring chances, as there were 17 total shots on goal and five saves between the two goalies.
Elle Rafajko anchored the UT backline beautifully today en route to a clean sheet. Rafajko made three saves, recording her third shut out of the season.
NUMBERS TO KNOW
- Utah Tech out-cornered Montana 9-1, tied for the lowest corners allowed this season
- UT held Montana to 7 shots and 2 on goal, which is tied for the lowest allowed this season
- Rafajko records her third shutout of the season
- No cautions for either side
UP NEXT
Utah Tech will head on the road for the week, first beginning with a Thursday match at in-state foe Weber State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. inside Wildcat Soccer Field.
