LA CROSSE, Wis. – North Dakota State soccer defeated Viterbo University 3-1 in the season opener on Thursday at the Viterbo Athletics Complex.
 
Senior Olivia Watson opened up the scoring in the seventh minute with a close-range effort off of a ball from Hannah Arnold. Watson's 13^th goal of her career moved her into a tie for 10^th in NDSU's D1 history for goals, tying Abbe Stratton and Malley O'Brien.
 
63 seconds later the Bison (1-0-0) would double their lead as Devon Kavanagh scored her first career goal with a header off of a cross from Tyreese Zacher. The Bison would then add a third in the 27^th minute as Gabrielle Garrett scored her first career goal. Watson picked up an assist on the third goal.
 
Viterbo (0-0-1) would answer back with a goal on a counter attack in the 36^th minute, capping the scoring in the contest.
 
The Bison outshot Viterbo 37-6 in the contest. Payton Mulberry started the game in goal and made one save in 30 minutes. Hannah Stipp played 32 minutes and also made a save while allowing one goal. Bella Washington played the final 28 minutes and did not face a shot on target.
 
The Bison will be back in action on Sunday, traveling to Green Bay. Kickoff against the Phoenix is slated for 1 p.m. at Abbe Stratton and Malley O'Brien.