BISMARCK, N.D. - The Bemidji State University soccer team had a tough battle against the University of Mary in the opening round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament, but one ill-placed foul proved to be the difference in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to the Marauders in Bismarck, N.D.

U-Mary played into the wind to start the game, and used that advantage to control the tempo in the opening half. The Marauders had possession for the majority of the half, and turned it into a 10-2 shot advantage. The Beavers escaped the first half unscathed, though, as U-Mary was unable to turn those shots into goals. Both teams had two shots on goal in the first half, but the Marauders had a 3-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Bemidji State was playing with the wind for the second half, but the Marauders continued the aggressive attack early. Jessica Janusz got into the box and was fouled by two BSU players. She was awarded a penalty kick in the 47th minute, and she took advantage.

She set up to take the shot, and stuffed it into the left side of the net past Bemidji State goaltender Samantha Ross (Fr., Stillwater, Minn.).

After the goal, the Beavers outshot the Marauders 9-5, but couldn’t take advantage of any opportunities on net.

Ross came away with five saves in the game, and she was tested all game long by the Marauder offensive attack. U-Mary goalkeeper Carly Feiler wasn’t tested as much, but when the Beavers did have chances, she made sure to stifle them. Feiler finished the game with seven saves.

Jamie Ford (So., Edina, Minn.), Lauren Olivares (Jr., El Paso, Texas) and Danielle Uphoff (So., Brainerd, Minn.) each attempted two shots in the game, and the Beavers took 11 shots overall.

The Marauders had more fouls 9-6, and they also had more corners, 4-0.

BSU coach Jim Stone ends the season with nine wins, which are the fourth most in school history.

One positive announcement from today came from the conference headquarters. Ashlee Ellefsen (Fr., Hugo, Minn.) was named to the NSIC All-Second Team and Alysha Domiano (Fr., Dayton, Minn.) was named to the All-Honorable Mention Team. A release with further information will be administered tomorrow.

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