University of Montana Griz Women's Soccer vs. Eastern Washington

The standings beyond Thursday

Montana entered the week eighth in the Big Sky standings, with the top six teams advancing to the conference championship. In its October 28 preview, Montana Athletics said the Grizzlies needed at least five points from their last three matches, along with favorable results elsewhere, to remain in contention.

The team is pursuing a 13th consecutive tournament appearance. South Campus Stadium is also scheduled to host the championship in November, but Montana must qualify to take part. Idaho State is one team the Grizzlies need to pass; the Bengals hold the head-to-head tiebreaker after beating Montana earlier in October.

Further reading: Montana closes regular season with home matches - University of Montana Athletics ↗

A familiar opponent, a run of draws

Montana went unbeaten against Eastern Washington in the six meetings leading into this match, with two wins followed by four draws. Three of those draws came during Montana’s 2023, 2024 and 2025 championship seasons, each finishing 1–1.

Eastern Washington arrived in Missoula without a conference win and in last place as of the October 28 preview, although three of its four league losses had been by a single goal against the top three teams. Maya Bossenbrook and Deanna Montero had four goals apiece for the Eagles.

For Montana, goalkeeper Avery Heeb made 12 saves in a 1–1 draw at Northern Arizona on October 22; Caylee Dowler scored the Grizzlies’ goal before the home team equalized in the 89th minute. Montana then lost 3–0 at Northern Colorado.

Further reading: Montana closes regular season with home matches - University of Montana Athletics ↗