FARGO, N.D. ? Senior Michelle Martinez notched the 25th goal of her career as North Dakota State wins its season opener 1-0 over Bemidji State at the Ellig Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 1.

The goal came in the 57th minute as Martinez fired a shot from the right side at Beaver goalkeeper Jessica Meath.  The shot richoched off Meath's hands and trickled just past the post on the far side to give the Bison (1-0-0) the only goal they would need.

Despite the low final score, it was a game NDSU dominated from the opening whistle.  The Bison outshot Bemidji State (1-2-1) 27-1 on the afternoon and controlled the pace for the majority of the match.  Sophomore goalkeeper Monica Morgan made a great save on the Beavers' only scoring chance of the afternoon and recorded the ninth shutout of her career.

"We were definitely rusty," said head coach Pete Cuadrado.  "It's nice to get one under our belt and get out of here with a victory, but we definitely have a lot to work on.  We need to be much more aggressive, but we'll take the win."

The Bison improve to 5-0 all-time against Bemidji State, having outscored the Beavers 33-1 in the series.  With the goal, Martinez moves into a tie with Olivia Cole (2001-05) for fifth place on the all-time list.  Her next goal will move her into a three-way tie for third with Jessica Rodgers (2002-05) and Tonya Tuckenhagen (1995-98).

North Dakota State won't have much time to reflect on the victory as it hosts Northern Iowa Sunday, Sept. 2, at 12 p.m. at the Ellig Sports Complex.  The Panthers come into the contest 0-0-1 on the season having played to a 1-1 tie at South Dakota State on Friday night.  NDSU is 3-0-0 all-time against Northern Iowa.