FARGO, N.D.--With four second-period goals, the North Dakota State women's soccer team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 5-0 win against the University of Northern Iowa at the Ellig Sports Complex on Sunday, Sept. 4.

The Bison defense continued their stingy ways by allowing eight total shots with only three on goal. Karli Kopietz played the entire game in goal for NDSU and posted her second shutout of the year. With the defeat, UNI dropped to 1-3 on the year.   

"I'm very pleased with our overall effort." NDSU head coach Pete Cuadrado said, "There are always going to be some things we will need to work on, but I think the girls stepped up today." 

Fresh off of a two-goal performance last Friday versus the University of Mary, Michelle Martinez got the Bison on the board with a scoring shot at 24:26. On the play Jestina Orlando notched her third assist of the year.

The score remained 1-0 until the freshman connection of Becky Iwanicki to Nicole Rand provided a spark in the opening minutes of the second half. Rand's goal and Iwanicki's assist were their first points while wearing a Bison uniform.

With under 15 minutes to play, Stacey Howell, another true freshman, fired the ball from 25 yards out into the corner of the net to give NDSU a three-goal cushion. Moments later, Orlando created her own shot from inside the box to put the Bison up 4-0.

Keri Blanchette finished off the scoring for the game with an accurate boot after receiving the ball from Erin Tierney at 82:55.

Through three games this year, NDSU has outscored its opponents 13-0 to remain undefeated.

"This next week will be a good measuring stick for us. We are going to be playing some quality teams," Cuadrado said.

The Bison hit the road next week with two games at the Creighton Tournament. NDSU is scheduled to play Drake on Friday, Sept 9, and the host Bluejays on Sunday, Sept. 11 in Omaha, Neb.