MISSOULA, Mont. — Following a scoreless first 45 minutes between the two sides, it was host Montana that finally broke through with the eventual game-winner in the 62nd minute on Sunday afternoon, lifting the first-place Grizzlies to a 1-0 victory over visiting Sacramento State in Missoula.

Entering the day tied for the sixth and final spot with Eastern Washington and Idaho State in the race for a berth in the Big Sky Conference Tournament, the Hornets headed to the "Treasure State" in search of much-needed points to keep pace, but came up empty, suffering their third straight defeat.

Montana, meanwhile remained atop the table in the Big Sky, improving to 10-3-3 overall and 4-1-2 in league play.

Sacramento State was the early aggressor in the first 45 minutes, leading the Grizzlies in shots, 6-5, and attempting five of the six corner kicks in the opening half, but neither team could dent the back of the net. The Hornets forced Montana keeper Ashlyn Dvorak into three first-half saves — all coming in the first 13 minutes of play — while freshman keeper Cynthia Waller added a pair of her own to keep the Grizzlies off the board.

Both teams tested the other's keeper early in the second before Montana finally broke through in the 62nd minute as Caylee Kerr converted a pass by Lydia Robertson for her first goal of the season and a 1-0 lead.

Now chasing a goal, Ching put one off the crossbar 50 seconds later for the Hornets while Micaela Romo had an attempt turned away from Dvorak in the 77th minute as the Grizzlies completed the shutout.

Montana finished with 11 of its 16 total shots in the second half, finishing with five on frame, while the Hornets were able to put six of their 11 attempts on goal. Ching shared match-high honors with four shot attempts, while Ellie Farber and Lexi Schroeder added a pair of shots on goal apiece.

Sacramento State will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive with a single match next weekend, hosting Portland State in its regular season finale on Sunday (Oct. 26) at Noon.