PULLMAN, Wash. – Sophomore Alysha Overland scored a pair of first-half goals and the Cougar defense made them stand up as Washington State posted a 2-1 victory over visiting Montana in front of 1,626 fans Friday night at Lower Soccer Field.
 
The Cougars (2-2-0) dominated the early stages with the ball on the Montana (3-1-1) half the majority of the first 25 minutes. The first goal, however, came from Montana's McKenzie Warren, who finished inside the box from straight on following a cross from Allie Lucas in the 27th minute. It was the Grizzlies' first shot of the game and gave Montana the 1-0 lead.
 
Just over seven minutes later, Jordan Branch took the ball up the left side, cut around a defender toward the goal, then crossed it into the box where Overland redirected past Montana goalkeeper Kailey Norman for the equalizer.
 
A little over a minute later, Overland made a long run through the Montana defense before beating Norman with a low drive to the left corner of the goal for what proved to be the game-winner. Overland, playing her first season in a Cougar uniform after transferring from Community Colleges of Spokane, became the first Cougar with multiple goals in a game since Kourtney Guetlein has both in a 2-1 win at Arizona State last season.
 
Once the Cougars had the lead the defense took over, clearing any threats the Grizzlies tried to mount and keeping the area clear for Cougar goalkeeper Ella Dederick, who made three saves for her second win of the season.
 
On the match WSU outshot Montana 13-5, including an 11-2 advantage in the first half, while also holding a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.
 
The Cougars are next in action Sunday against North Dakota State at Lower Soccer Field. Match time is set for 7 p.m.