Zoe Fisher was determined to have a quicker start than she did last year.
The Minot State University sophomore forward scored just three goals in the Beavers' first 13 soccer games in 2011.
In Thursday's season opener, Fisher scored three goals in the first 13 minutes. The Englishwoman added another score in the second half and MSU crushed Minnesota State-Moorhead 7-1 at Herb Parker Stadium.
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Daniel Allar/MDN
Minot State University sophomore Zoe Fisher (10) and freshman Gemma Biasetto trap a Minnesota State-Moorhead player in the Beavers’ 7-1 win Thursday at Herb Parker Stadium.
"Everyone pumped me up and (was) really excited for our first game," Fisher said.
Fisher was at a loss for words after breaking her own MSU single-game scoring record in the program's first NCAA Division II game. It was also the first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference win for the Beavers.
"She's amazing, a difference maker," MSU coach Jason Spain said. "She's tough to mark. I guess (her) confidence level has gone up."
So did the team's after seeing the 5-foot-6 speedster chip three quick goals over Moorhead junior goalkeeper Victoria Hoffman.
On the second goal, which came in the 10th minute, Fisher blew past the Dragons' back line to catch up to a through ball from junior Taylor Carlstrom. The ball sped across the turf untouched by a porous Moorhead defense.
Hoffman was caught well off her line repeatedly throughout the afternoon, making chip shots an easy decision for the Beavers. Fisher wasn't surprised by the efficiency of the passing.
"Not at all," she said. "We've practiced them in training. I believe in my team. They play amazing balls to me all the time and it showed off today."
Spain used 22 players in the game, including two goalkeepers. Senior Marie Torres gave up the lone goal, but added four saves. Two tough saves came before the Dragons' goal, which came off the second rebound for Moorhead sophomore Erin Nyberg.
Freshmen Gemma Biasetto and Kristin Long and junior Jamie Council also scored for the Beavers late in the second half after Fisher was substituted.
"I think that she's just up there flying, getting goals and to have her (out of the game), I think (Moorhead) was like, 'Who do we mark now?' " Council said. "So then all of us were working together and we all just came out ready to play today."
Moorhead coach Rollie Bulock refused to comment following the game.