LAS VEGAS - The Indiana State women's soccer team fell to the Montana Grizzlies in their opening game of the UNLV Nike Invitational from Las Vegas, Nev., on Friday, dropping a close contest by a 1-0 score.

Indiana State (3-3) and Montana (4-3) went scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, playing contrasting styles of soccer. The Grizzlies used their height to take four shots and two shots on goal in the opening period, while the Sycamores' possession of the ball led the team with three shots with one going on frame. Indiana State also led 5-3 in corner kicks, their highest number of corners in a half this season.

The Grizzlies took the lead in the 68th minute, getting a header from Erin Craig to score the game's only goal. Paytyn Wheeler began the play by sending Mackenzie Akins running down the right wing with a throughball, allowing Akins to send in a cross to the near post in the six-yard box that Craig got just enough of a touch on for a goal.

Indiana State's best chance at a game-tying goal came in the 86th minute, when the Sycamores had a three-on-three situation in the attack. Sophomore Bria Caldwell attempted to send freshman Sydney Lovelace running into the left side of the penalty box, but Caldwell's pass was just a touch too far for Lovelace and the UM goalkeeper was able to make a sliding grab.

Montana finished the game with 10-6 edge in shots for the match, including a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal. Six different Sycamores tallied one shot for the match, while freshman Erin Mitchell made five saves in goal.

Indiana State plays their second game of the tournament on Sunday, taking on Sacramento State at 10:30 a.m. locally in Las Vegas.