BEMIDJI, Minn. - The Bemidji State University soccer team used a strong second half to open its 2007 Parent's Weekend festivities with a 3-1 win over Concordia University-St. Paul Saturday at the BSU Soccer Field.

After spotting the Golden Bears a lead during the 18th minute of play, BSU bounced back to knot the game at 1-1 before time expired on the first half of play. When the Beavers stepped onto the field after the 15-minute break, they took control of the field scoring a pair of goals and allowing just two CSP shots during the final 45 minutes.

The BSU defense was stellar in the game. In addition to giving up just five Golden Bear shots, the unit didn't allow a single corner kick and CSP rarely moved the ball across midfield.

Freshman goalkeeper Samantha Ross (Stillwater, Minn.) backstopped the defense earning her first collegiate victory between the pipes. She stopped two Golden Bear shots on goal to move to 1-0-1 on the season.

BSU, on the other hand, peppered the CSP goalkeepers, out shooting the Golden Bears 16-5.

The tandem of Keyton Wheelock and Hannah Turgerson combined for five saves on the day. Turgerson, a substitution for the injured Wheelock, recorded 47:12 in goal and was credited with the loss after allowing both BSU second-half goals.

After using the first 18 minutes to feel each other out, the Golden Bears were the first to light the scoreboard. Kendra Benson found a seam in the BSU defense and threaded a pass through the hole to a streaking Hillary Johnson. Johnson, then one-on-one with BSU's Ross, placed the ball in the left half of the net just past the outstretched arms of the Beavers' goalkeep.

Nine minutes later it was the Beavers' turn.

With commotion in front of the net and the box flooded with players, senior defender Jessica Ploeger (Ramsey, Minn.) came up with a loose ball off a Kelly Hyvare (Jr., Coon Rapids, Minn.) attempt and bounced a shot off a CSP defender, past Wheelock and into the back of the net to knot the game at 1-1. the goal was the first of 2007 for Ploeger.

The final 45 minutes was all BSU. The Beavers out shot CSP 10-2 in the the second half with two of those shots counting as goals.

Jamie Ford (So., F, Edina, Minn.) recorded her first collegiate game-winner in the 50th minute heading a crossing pass from Christina Hicks (Sr., M/F, Minnetonka, Minn.) past the Turgerson to put BSU up for good.

The Beavers would add another goal during the 64th minute to secure their second Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference win of the season. Ashlee Ellefsen (Fr., F, Hugo, Minn.) took a pass from Hicks and lofted it over the CSP goalkeeper for her team-leading seventh tally of the season.

Bemidji State, 6-5-2; 2-0-1, continues play tomorrow when the team attempts to extend its three-game unbeaten versus Minnesota State University, Moorhead. The NSIC contest is slated for a 1 p.m. start at the BSU Soccer Field.

Note: Physical play in the game caused three yellow cards to be handed out. The CSP bench (41:23) was tagged with one while BSU’s Kim Sorteberg and Jenny Stromberg (78:35) each drew the official’s warning.

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