MINOT, N.D. – There wasn't quite the fervor following  Tatyanny Griffith's (Forward, Fr., Dallas, Texas) goal Sunday, but it was just about as important as Minot State University first-ever goal two nights before.

Griffith headed a loose ball in the box past Minnesota-Crookston's goalkeeper Anna Ogaard in the 38th minute of the first half to stake MSU to a 1-0 lead.

Like the season opener on Friday, one goal was enough. MSU keeper Holly Chrisope (Sr., Chico, Calif.) made two saves en route the Beavers second shutout in as many games as Minot State posted a 2-0 win over Crookston in women's soccer Sunday at Herb Parker Stadium.

“We are playing well,” MSU head coach Jason Spain said. “Getting a win was great, getting a goal was great (Friday night). Now with two wins and two shutouts, we're real pumped.

“I still feel that offensively we are getting our legs under ourselves. If we could get a little better offensively and relieve some pressure off our defense, it's going to make us all better.”

The Beavers (2-0-0 overall) kept solid pressure on the Golden Eagles much of the match, outshooting UMC 23-2. MSU got a second goal off a solid hustle play by Lexi Kidd (Midfield, Jr., Sutter, Calif.), who pushed the ball into open space after catching up to a long pass.

“We've just got to play the game and find a way,” Spain said. “I felt like they sat back and played a little more defense. So the ball was going to be in the air a little bit more and there were a lot of challenges, and it took its toll on both teams.”  

Crookston had a golden opportunity to get a goal as MSU was whistled for a hand ball in the penalty box midway through the second half. But the shot attempt off the direct free kick sailed well over the crossbar.  

“I'm proud of my girls. Going out and grinding out two shut outs was impressive,” Spain said.

  MSU has its first taste of the road as the Beavers travel to Minnesota State-Moorhead and Northern State Friday and Sunday.