FARGO, N.D. - Senior Quin Ryan scored her third goal of the season to lead the North Dakota State soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Western Illinois in Summit League play on Friday, Oct. 8.  The Bison earned up their first league victory and improved to 6-4-3 overall and 1-2 in the Summit League.  Western Illinois is 6-4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Summit League.

Redshirt freshman goalie Kathy Kelsey made three saves in her second career shutout.  The Bison defense held Western Illinois to only four shots, all of them in the first half.

Senior Marissa Wolfgram and junior Danielle Boldenow notched two early shots as NDSU came out pressuring the Western Illinois defense.

Ryan gave the Bison the lead in the 15th minute, slotting the ball past Leathernecks goalie Laura Atkinson into the left side of the net after receiving a pass in the box from Boldenow.  It was Boldenow's first assist of the season and the first goal Western Illinois has given up in league play.

Kelsey came up big minutes later, deflecting a shot from Kelly Diershow outside the post.  Kelsey made her second save of the half in the 23rd minute, keeping out a shot from Katie Condon.

The Bison continued to push for a second goal as freshmen Sheri Fitzsimmons and Katie Tallas both forced saves from Atkinson.  Sophomore Brooklyn Dyce had a chance at goal as well, but Atkinson was able to get her fingertips to the shot to keep it out.

The Leathernecks had a chance in the closing minutes of the half, but Kelsey came up with a big save, blocking a shot from Nora Potempa.

NDSU outshot Western Illinois, 5-0, in the second half and juniors Aubrey Bot and Danielle DeMent notched shots on goal. 

The Bison will host IUPUI in Summit League action Sunday, Oct. 10 at 12 p.m. at the Ellig Sports Complex.  The Jaguars play at South Dakota State tonight before coming to Fargo.