FARGO, N.D. ? After falling behind early to the University of Mary, North Dakota State rallies to defeat the Marauders 2-1 Friday at the Ellig Sports Complex.  With the win, the Bison improve to 3-0-0 on the season.

Mary struck early as Danielle Mello fired a header off a corner kick from Becky Beall past goalkeeper Monica Morgan to give the Marauders (2-2-0) the 1-0 lead just four and a half minutes into the game.  It was the first goal of the season for the junior forward.

North Dakota State responded quickly as 56 seconds later, freshman Marissa Wolfgram took a pass from fellow freshman Abbey Stratton and fired a shot through traffic at the top of the penalty area that found its way past goalkeeper Brannigan Coyle.  It was the first goal of Wolfgram's Bison career, and the first assist for Stratton.

Tied at one at the half, NDSU came out firing in the second.  The Bison outshot the Marauders 18-0 in the second half, and found itself with a number of scoring chances.  NDSU finally was able to find the back of the net in the 73rd minute as senior Patty Romeo fired a shot from about 20 yards out that lofted over the head of Coyle and cemented the 2-1 victory for the Bison.  It was the fourth goal of her Bison career and her first game-winner.

The victory at the Ellig Sports Complex marks the 50th win at the facility for the Bison since its opening in 1997.  NDSU has posted a 50-16-4 record (.743) at the Ellig and are 15-1-1 since the beginning of the 2005 season. 

Up next for North Dakota State is arguably its biggest challenge of the young season.  NDSU will host defending tournament champion Oakland in its first ever Summit League contest Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Ellig Sports Complex.  Oakland is led by conference player of the year Kristi Tomczyk, who helped lead the Grizzlies to the NCAA tournament last season.  Game time is set for 12 p.m.