Mankato, Minn. --- What's on Tap:  Minnesota State (8-1-1, 7-0-0 NSIC) returns to Mankato as it hosts Augustana and Wayne State in the last weekend homestand scheduled for this year's regular-season.

Recapping Last Weekend's Action:  MSU continued it's stellar defensive play allowing only one shot on goal in last Saturday's 1-0 win at U-Mary.  Junior forward Caitlin Graboski scored the lone goal off a penalty kick in the 44th minute

Graboski's strong performance continued scoring the game-winner - again off a penalty kick- in a 2-0 Maverick win to stay unblemished in their first NSIC road matches of the year. Sophomore midfielder Emily Moris also tallied her first goal of the season., while fellow sophomore Molly McGough posted her fifth straight shutout.

Scouting the Vikings:  Augustana (4-4-2, 3-2-2 NSIC) finished last weekend 0-1-1 at home tying Minnesota-Duluth 1-1 before failing to score in a 0-1 defeat to St. Cloud State in Sunday's weekend finale. The Vikings currently sit 8th in the NSIC standings clinging on to the final playoff spot.

Sophomore Payton Pry leads Augie in most offensive categories amassing team-highs in goals (4), points (9), shots (22), and game-winners (2). Senior goalkeeper Amanda Wagner ranks third in the conference with a 0.61 GAA and fourth in save percentage at .865. The Vikings have outscored opponents 12-8 in ten matches this season.

Inside the MSU/Augie Series: Minnesota State owns a 14-2 all-time record over the Vikings in a series dating back to 2000.  MSU is currently riding a four-match winning streak over Augustana including defeating the Vikings twice last season, 4-1 and 3-0.

Scouting the Wildcats: Wayne State (1-8-1, 1-5-1 NSIC) matched Augustana's 0-1-1 record last weekend dropping to St. Cloud State 0-1 then bouncing back to tie Minnesota-Duluth 2-2.  Six of the Wildcats ten matches this season has been decided by one goal or less.

Wayne State has been outscored 10-25 in ten matches this season and holds a 1-5-0 record away from home on the year.

Inside the MSU/WSC Series:  The Mavericks are 7-0 all-time against Wayne State dating back to 1998 and have never allowed the Wildcats to score a goal.  Minnesota State has outscored WSC 33-0 in their history including a 4-0 defeat last year at the Pitch at Gage Towers.

Home Sweet Home:  The Mavericks are 5-0-1 at the Pitch at Gage Towers this season and currently in the midst of a school-record 19 game home unbeaten streak dating back to 2010.

Climbing the Ranks: After debuting at #24 in the NSCAA Poll, MSU has moved up four consecutive weeks and now sits at #5.  The highest the Mavericks have ever been ranked in the NSCAA was fourth on October 23, 2007. Minnesota State also holds the top spot in the Central Region poll.

Nationally Known:  The Mavericks rank 11th in the nation in scoring average with a 3.00 goals/game mark.  Minnesota State is also 11th in the country in scoring defense at 0.50 goals/game. Senior forward Nicole Dooher sits sixth nationally with seven assists on the year.

Leading the Way:  Minnesota State currently leads the NSIC in every major statistical category including shots (228), points (97), goals (30), assists (37), goals allowed (5), and shutouts (6). Dooher is tied for the conference lead in assists (7) and tied for third in points (13). Junior midfielder Tori Meinhardt is tied for fifth in the NSIC with four assists.

How We Stand:  MSU currently owns sole possession of first-place in the NSIC at 7-0-0. Winona State sits one game behind at 6-1-0 with Bemidji State 1.5 games behind at 5-1-1.

The Road Ahead:  Coming off its first conference road action of the season, Minnesota State returns home for two of its final three home games of the regular-season.  MSU will play four straight road contests following this weekend's action.

To view complete release, click HERE