MISSOULA, Mont. - Sacramento State took on the Big Sky-leading Montana Griz on Friday and, despite a number of second-half opportunities, came up short in a 1-0 loss on the road. 

With the loss, Sacramento State is now 1-7-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Sky play. Montana improves to 7-4-0 and a perfect 3-0 in league play with the win. 

The Hornets got off to a slow start in Friday's afternoon matchup, failing to place a shot on goal despite four attempts in the first 45. The defense, taking on one of the best in the Big Sky, held its own for nearly 40 minutes before Montana found the back of the net off a corner kick in the 38th. 

Trailing 1-0 at the break, the Hornets came out with a renewed offensive spark in the second half. Sacramento State started to test the Montana keeper, placing four shots on goal, including a number of great looks.

In the 60th minute, Ele Avery had a great opportunity, taking a pass from Jasmyne Dunn and firing one toward the top of the net. Camilia Xu, Montana's keeper, made one of four excellent saves, punching the high shot out of harms way. 

Later, in the 84th, a Montana handball turned into another great chance for Sacramento State. Aubrey Goodwill took the free kick for the Hornets from 24 yards out and fired a powerful shot around the Montana wall and toward the goal, but another strong save by Xu prevented Sacramento State from finding the crucial equalizer. 

In total, the two teams were incredibly even on the scoresheet. Both teams attempted 10 shots with four on goal compared to Montana's six. There were just 12 fouls in the match - seven against Montana and five against the Hornets - and the two teams were close in corners, with one for the Hornets and two for the Griz.

Avery led the Hornets with three of the team's total shots. Avery, Goodwill, Samantha Craig, and Abigail Lopez each had one shot on goal. 

Price made five total saves in goal for the Hornets, raising her save percentage to .778 on the season. 

Up next, Sacramento State will take on another tough opponent on the road as they travel to Northern Colorado for a Sunday morning matchup. The Hornets and Bears kick off on Sunday at 11 a.m. PT/12 p.m. MT. The match will stream live on ESPN+ with live stats available at HornetSports.com.