MINOT, N.D. - Cameron Schmidt's first collegiate goal made the Beavers a winner.

Schmidt scored with 9 minutes, 5 seconds left in the third period, snapping a tie and lifting the Minot State women's hockey team to a 5-4 victory over visiting Maryville (Mo.) in the Beavers season opener at the Maysa Arena on Friday.

Schmidt's goal helped erase the comeback of the Saints, who trailed 4-2 after two periods before rallying.

Matayah Metz put Minot State (1-0-0 overall) on top with 7:19 gone in the first, and after the Saints (2-1-1) tied it, Megan Norris and Gillian Gervin each scored to send Minot State into the first intermission on top 3-1.

The Saints cut the lead in half midway through the second period, but Minot State got a goal from Sydney Spicer for the 4-2 advantage after two periods.

The Saints battled back with two goals in the first 8:01 of the third period before Schmidt iced the win for the Beavers.

Anna German and Gervin assisted on the winner, as German had two assists, while Jordan Kulbida, Norris, Schmidt, Makena Welby, and Riley Ball also had an assist in the win.
Haylie Biever started in goal and earned the win, making 20 saves for Minot State.

The two teams resume their early-season series on Saturday with the Beavers hosting the Saints again at 3:45 p.m. at the Maysa Arena.