Friday's win at Nelson Stadium by the Carroll College soccer team guaranteed the Saints an at-large berth in the upcoming unaffiliated regional tournament in Dallas. But Carroll has one more game left in the Frontier Conference tournament, and the team would like to win that one, too, which would ensure an automatic berth to regionals.

Either way, CC is headed to Texas, and the Hilltoppers would prefer to leave as conference tourney champions, to go along with their season league crown.

The Saints put the game away early in a windy 2-0 victory over the University of Great Falls, with the goals by sophomore Meghan O'Connell and senior Hannah Young both coming before the contest was even six minutes old.

It was Carroll's seventh victory in a row.

O'Connell, who leads the conference in scoring with 13 goals and seven assists, shook the net at the 3:31 mark, with an assist by Young.

"I got a great ball from Hannah, took a run to the net, saw the open corner and put it in," O'Connell explained.

A prep All-American, the former Flathead High Bravette has strong ties to Helena, since her father is Capital High alum Kelly O'Connell.

Two minutes later, it was Young's turn to score, when she tallied CC's second marker.

Then it was up to the defense, which blanked the Argonauts the rest of the way for the Hilltopper's eighth shutout of the season. Coach Dave Thorvilson, whose kickers improved to 14-4-1, emphasized the back row play of senior defender Katie Martin.

"I thought we played well as a unit, considering the wind. Sometimes the elements can be a factor in these types of games, so I'm proud that we got the shutout," Martin said.

The Boise, Idaho native added, "I'm excited that we got our first win of the post season, and am looking forward to the next game, to carry on with that success."

"I thought our front line was really connected today, we did a good job of keeping the ball on the ground," O'Connell said. "And the midfield play was great, especially Kellyi Benson."

Young and Sophie Johnson each had shots on goal which narrowly missed, and teammate Abby Coburn had a nice game up front, as well.

UGF's Selena Longoria and Amanda Haynes produced fine efforts for the Argos.

"Our play was really crisp today, and it was nice to get that two-goal cushion so early in the game," said coach Thorvilson. "Now we want to win our next one, to keep some momentum going into regionals."

The Saints meet Westminster at 2 p.m. today, with the Frontier title on the line.

Great Falls 0 0 - 0

Carroll College 2 0 - 2

CC - Meghan O'Connell (Hannah Young), 3:31

CC - Young (unassisted), 5:37

Shots on goal - UGF 1, CC 4; Corner kicks - UGF 1, CC 3; Saves - UGF 2 (DJ Ellis), CC 1 (Katie Beall 1, Erin Volz 0); Yellow cards - none.

Westminster 1, RMC 0

Westminster College (9-9-1) edged Rocky Mountain College (7-10), in the first round of the Frontier Conference Tournament at Nelson Stadium. Sarah Swenson bulged the onion bag at 47-minutes, propelling Westminster to the tourney finals. Rachel Watson assisted on the play.

Rocky Mountain out-shot the Griffins 8-6, but Salt Lake City goalie Dayna Winter-Nolte preserved the shutout, with six saves. Katherine Moody had three saves for the Bears.

Former Helena High great Lauren Brophy, a freshman midfielder for Rocky, attempted a pair of shots on goal.

Westminster now meets Carroll in the title game today at 2 p.m.

Rocky Mountain 0 0 -0

Westminster 0 1-1

Westminster - Sarah Swenson (RachelWatson), 47:00

Shots on goal - Rocky 8, Westminster 6; Corner kicks - Rocky 5, Westminster 3; Saves - Rocky 3 (Katherine Moody), Westminster 6 (Dayna Winter-Nolte); Yellow cards - Rocky 1, Westminster 1.