COLUMBIA FALLS — In a match postponed a day because of smoky conditions, it was Montana that found the spark in the second half on Saturday at Flip Darling Memorial Field.

Grace Olson and Lane Lee scored two minutes apart as the Grizzlies erased a one-goal deficit and rallied past Mount Royal 2-1, in the first exhibition match played at the Glacier Park Soccer Showcase. 

“We responded well, and the last goal was two freshmen combining, which is great to see,” first-year Montana head coach Stuart Gore said. “But we’ve got to get better defensively, because we spent the last three weeks just working on us with the ball.” 

Montana controlled much of the action early, putting two shots on goal in the opening 30-minute half. Mount Royal slowly settled into the match, stringing together passes through the midfield and putting more pressure on the Grizzlies’ defense. 

After a scoreless first half, the Cougars nearly broke through in the 33rd minute when Julia Makoloski’s header sailed just wide of the right post. 

Five minutes later, Kalie Bzeta lofted a shot from the right side of the box over Montana’s goalkeeper, giving Mount Royal a 1-0 lead. 

The Cougars’ advantage lasted just 10 minutes. 

Olson, a senior, brought Montana level in the 48th minute, putting a rebound past the keeper. Two minutes later, freshman Sofia Ballesteros threaded a pass into the box, finding fellow freshman Lane Lee for the go-ahead goal. 

“The energy was so high today,” Olson said. “I think everyone always is trying to uplift people, and it’s super exciting to hear our teammates on the bench cheer for you.” 

Olson is no stranger to finding the back of the net. The St. Cloud State transfer finished her three-year career with the Huskies with 12 goals and 11 assists while starting in 65 matches. She also helped St. Cloud State reach three straight NCAA Division II tournaments before joining Montana. 

Despite the win, Olson said the Grizzlies still have areas to clean up before facing Bucknell on Thursday in Missoula. 

“I think we want to get better at moving the ball quicker in our future games,” Olson said. “But overall, we’re excited to get the win for the first game and keep it going.” 

Saturday offered the first look at a Montana program entering a new era. Former head coach Chris Citowicki, who led the Grizzlies to three consecutive Big Sky championships, departed for Washington State following last season. It was Gore’s first match on the Montana sideline after taking over in February as the fifth head coach in program history. Gore spent the previous three seasons as the head coach at Troy. 

For Gore, Saturday was less about having everything polished in August and more about getting the Grizzlies where they need to be when Big Sky play arrives. 

“As long as we’re starting to hit by October first, that’s what I’m looking for,” Gore said. 

Reporter Luke Schmit can be reached at 406-758-4441 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.