Box Score  MINOT, N.D.- Expectations have been high to start the 2012 season for the Minot State University soccer team.

The team expected to play with the best, and Saturday afternoon at Herb Parker Stadium, the Beavers did just that as they tied the #7 ranked University of Central Missouri Jennies, 0-0 in 110 minutes of play.

"We played very well defensively," said head coach Jason Spain. "Our back line and midfield played very well for us today, and we stayed composed. We also did a nice job attacking at our opportunities and we had a few chances to win late in regulation and overtime."

UCM out shot the Beavers 17-11 throughout the match. Minot State only get three of those shots on UCM goalkeeper Jessica Grindstaff.

Beaver goalkeeper Marie Torres (Sr., San Bruno, Calif.) was stellar between the pipes as she totaled 12 saves to keep the game scoreless.

"Marie plays so well on balls in the air," said Spain. "When she is on her game, it allows us to sag a little and do some things we might not normally be comfortable doing."

Sophomore Zoe Fisher (CM,Cambridgeshire, England) led Minot State with five total shots, one of those being on goal.

Minot State (2-1-1 overall, 0-1 NSIC) now turns their focus to conference matches against a very competitive Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schedule.

"Our goal was to see what the top teams in the country were like," said Spain. "Now we have a little bit better idea of where we stand. Honestly, I feel like we are right there, and that is a good thing as we start the bulk of this conference play."

The Beavers will be in action on Saturday, Sept. 15 as they host a familiar foe, the University of Sioux Falls. Kick off is slated for 11 a.m. on homecoming Saturday.