BILLINGS, Mont. - Missed opportunities, unforced errors, turnovers, and a poor shooting night spelled trouble for the No. 16-ranked Carroll Women in a season-opening loss to NCAA Division II opponent MSU Billings on Thursday evening at Alterowitz Gymnasium.

Over the last five seasons, the first game of the year has proven difficult for the Fighting Saints (1-0). Dating back to 2021-22, the Saints have dropped each of their last five season-openers, and Thursday night was no exception.

Outside of a 21-point effort from All-Frontier guard Willa Albrecht (Billings, Mont. / R-SR), the Carroll Women had a difficult time from the floor. As a team, the Saints shot just 28.8 percent from the floor (12-52). The poor shooting night marked the fourth time in the last four seasons that the Saints have failed to shoot 30 percent as a team, and their first since last year's season opening loss to Arizona Christian 366 days ago.

The struggles weren't limited to field goals, as the Saints had a rough night at the free throw line as well - shooting just 52 percent as a team (11-21).

A new-look Carroll roster had flashes of excellence, including an 8-2 run to begin the second half, but inconsistency plagued the Saints as the team worked through their first real on-court action with all the new faces trying to build chemistry on the fly. In total, 11 different Saints logged at least three minutes of playing time, seven of which were freshmen or transfers. 

Defensively, Carroll was as steady as ever - with continued pressure from the backcourt leading to 20 Yellowjacket turnovers and a 35 shooting night for MSU-B.

A tight game throughout, neither team found much separation for the full 40 minutes, with MSU-B holding the largest lead of the game at 10 points in the first frame. Trailing by five with just over a minute left, Carroll made a late push - but the comeback effort would come up short.

A busy week lies ahead for the Saints, as they prepare for a pair of exhibitions against NCAA Division I opponents Gonzaga on Sunday afternoon, and Montana State on Tuesday, ahead of the annual field trip game against (RV) Wayland Baptist next Thursday.