BEMIDJI, Minn. – Winona State University went toe-to-toe with the 2018 NSIC regular season champion Bemidji State University Beavers on their home turf Thursday night as both teams opened the 2019 season. After a scoreless first half, the Warriors broke the scoring seal in the second period only to see the Beavers net two unanswered goals for a 2-1 triumph in non-conference action.

After Yanel Ortiz and the Warrior defense posted a shutout over the first 45 minutes, junior Camryn Cadiz found the back of the net for WSU in the 48th minute for her third career goal.

"I was really impressed with the way we started the game. We wanted to set a quick tempo for the match, and I think we achieved that for the most part," said head coach Matt Kellogg.

The Warriors uncorked four shots in the first half and landed two on goal in the early shutout.

Cadiz broke the scoring seal shortly after the second half kickoff with an unassisted goal before the home team answered less than three minutes later. The Beavers knotted the score at 1-1 in the 51st minute and proceeded to send in the eventual game-winner in the 66th minute.

At the end of the night, Winona State owned an 11-9 advantage in shots, including a 7-5 edge in shots on goal. The Beavers used a pair of goalkeepers in the tilt to halt six saves for the win. Ortiz made three saves in the setback.

Senior Courtney Wiencek accounted for five of the Warriors' 11 shots, landing three on target.

"We came out a bit slow early in the second half and against a veteran team like Bemidji they will make you pay for that," Kellogg added. "I was proud of our group in the way we responded and fought in the second half. We have a lot of good things to build off moving forward."

The Warriors return to action next week on Friday, September 13 at Northern Michigan University for a 1 p.m. tilt.