MINOT, ND -- The Minot State Beavers women's hockey team bounced back in a big way on Sunday afternoon, earning their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over McKendree University at the Maysa Arena. With the win, the Beavers improve to 1-1-0 on the season, while McKendree falls to 4-1-0.

The Beavers struck first in the opening period as Olivia Kirwan found the back of the net at 15:48 into the period to give Minot State a 1-0 lead. Goaltender Jillian Ackerman was sharp early, stopping all 9 shots she faced in the period to keep the Beavers ahead.

McKendree answered in the second period, tying the game at 1-1 on a goal by Jayna Barnden at 3:42 into the period. The Beavers regained the lead later in the period on a power-play goal by Journey Miller at 13:22 into the period, taking a 2-1 advantage into the final frame.

Minot State extended its lead in the third period as Olivia Opheim scored on the power play at 15:15 into the period to make it 3-1. Ackerman stood tall in net down the stretch, stopping all 11 shots she faced in the third period to secure the win for the Beavers.

Cameron Schmidt (2), Maci Nowosad, Paige Crossley, Erica Fijala, and Abby Tallman were credited with assists in the contest. Ackerman led the way in goal for the Beavers, turning aside 30 of the 31 shots she faced to improve her record to 1-1-0.

Following the split in their opening weekend series, the Beavers will remain at home to host Maryville University in a two-game set at the Maysa Arena. Game one is scheduled for Friday, October 10, at 7:30 pm, followed by game two on Saturday, October 11, at 3:45 pm.