CROOKSTON, Minn. – Minot State University used a decisive goal in the 72^nd minute from Jessica Groen to break a 1-1 tie and send the Beavers to a 2-1 victory over the University of Minnesota Crookston. The Golden Eagles put the pressure on in the second half, including a goal from Brooklyn Fischbach (Jr., F, South St. Paul, Minn.) but were unable to knot the game up in the final 18 minutes.

Minnesota Crookston dropped to 0-2 but put out a solid effort against a strong side in Minot State. The Beavers opened the 2023 campaign with a 1-0 mark.

Fischbach scored her first career goal. The former goalkeeper made the switch to a field player in 2023 after playing most of the 2021 season in the field. She scored in the 70^th minute after getting behind the defense off passes from Marsia Green (Fr., Waconia, Minn.), and Autumn Rabe (Fr., Kewaskum, Wis.).

The Golden Eagles finished with six shots to 21 for Minot State. They put three on frame, while the Beavers put 11 on goal. Minnesota Crookston had three yellow cards in the game, while Crystyn Isbister was ejected with a red card in the 76^th minute. The Beavers played the final 14 minutes with 10 players on the field.

The Beavers scored their first goal in the 10^th minute from Yossi Villangrana.

In goal, Abby Olsen (Sr., GK, Chisago City, Minn.) was strong. She finished with nine saves, while allowing the two goals. Siriana Gudino got the win for the Beavers, allowing one goal and notching two saves in 90 minutes.

Minnesota Crookston returns to the pitch Friday, September 8 with a non-conference tilt in St. Paul, Minn., against Concordia University-St. Paul.