Freshman Katie McCoy scored the game-winner with 24 seconds left in the match for her second career goal. It was Sacramento State’s first victory since a 2-1 overtime win over Nevada on Sept. 10, ending an 11-game winless streak. In that match, McCoy also netted the game-winner in overtime.

Montana, who was in a first place tie with Eastern Washington at the top of the Big Sky Conference, falls to 7-6-2 overall and 3-1-1 in conference. It was the Grizzlies first Big Sky loss of the season. For the Hornets, it was their first Big Sky victory since defeating Weber State, 2-0 on Oct. 27, 2002.

The Hornets improve to 3-14-0 overall and 1-4-0 in the Big Sky.

As the final minute ticked away, junior Linda Sanchez was at the top of the 18-yard box and flicked on a ball to McCoy who two touches later, put the ball in the back of the net, past Montana goalkeeper Jamie Rizzuto to seal the victory.

Sacramento State and Montana played to a scoreless first half, with the Grizzlies registering two shots on goal and the Hornets one. Sacramento State had opportunities to score with Rizzuto playing far off her line.

In the second half, the Hornet defense held the Grizzlies to five shots on goal. Freshmen Alecia Homer and Tiffany Fraser, sophomore Natalia Romo, juniors Amber Dragomir and Marissa Condren were productive in the backline as was senior forward Jennifer Iha, who used her speed and defensive skills to start offensive attacks out of the back.

Montana scored first in the 53rd minute, when Tara Schwager scored her fourth goal of the season off a Laura Nogueira cross. Schwager’s shot dipped in over the top of Hornet freshman goalkeeper Brittany Auernig, to gve the Grizzlies a 1-0 advantage.

Auernig finished the match with five saves as did Rizzuto, but late in the second half, Auernig saved a ball off her chest when Nogueira was in alone on goal.

Sacramento State scored the equalizer in the 69th minute, when Amanda Gray netted the second goal of her collegiate career. After receiving a pass out of the back from Iha, sophomore Kelly Novak sent in a dangerous cross that fell to the feet of McCoy, who volleyed the pass to Gray. Gray’s shot beat Rizzuto high and evened the score at 1-1.

Sacramento State played well offensively in the second half, tallying six shots on goal and forcing Rizzuto to make four saves during the final 45 minutes.

Sanchez now leads the team with seven points after tallying her third assist of the season. McCoy has four points after tallying her second goal and second assist of the year.

The Hornets will play Eastern Washington (6-7-2, 3-0-1) on Sunday at 1 pm. Sunday will also be senior day, where seniors Jenae Kee, Sela Suarez, Michelle Balzouman and Iha will be honored for their contributions to the program.