FARGO, N.D. - Three different players scored goals as the North Dakota State soccer team earned a 3-1 win over Southern Utah in the Summit League opener on Friday, Sept. 30.  The Bison improve to 8-2-1 overall and 1-0-0 in league play, while the Thunderbirds fall to 2-6-2 overall and 0-2-0 in the Summit League.

Freshman Tristyn Walczak wasted no time giving the Bison the lead, scoring her first goal of the season two minutes and nine seconds into the game.  After Brooklyn Dyce's shot was palmed away by SUU goalie Breana Fitzgerald, Walczak was there to put in the rebound.

The Bison finished the half with 14 shots, but only three were on frame.

Southern Utah came out looking for an equalizer in the second half, taking two early looks at goal.  Sabrina Hernandez tied the game at 1-1 in the 58th minute.  Riley Bassett's shot was deflected onto the crossbar by senior keeper Kalani Bertsch, but Hernandez stuck in the rebound.

NDSU took a 2-1 lead four minutes later as senior Michelle Gaffaney slid in to beat Fitzgerald to the ball and put it in the back of the net.  It was Gaffaney's second goal of the 2011 season.

Freshman Anisha Kinnarath notched her second goal of the season in the 83rd minute.  Abbey Moenkedick's free kick was headed away by a defender, but Kinnarath was there to slot the ball past Fitzgerald.

NDSU outshot the visitors, 24-13, and held a 9-4 edge in shots on goal.  Bertsch made three saves and earned her 30th career victory.

The Bison continue Summit League play Sunday, Oct. 2 against Oral Roberts at 12 p.m. at the Ellig Sports Complex.