MANKATO, Minn. --- Not even the cold could stop #1 Minnesota State on Sunday afternoon as the Mavericks kept their season alive defeating Winona State 2-0 at The Pitch.

With the win the Mavericks improve to 22-0-0 and advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Division II tournament. The Warriors season comes to an end with a record of 15-6-2.

Both team had a few scoring opportunities in the first half, but neither were able to put any points up on the scoreboard. Senior Molly McGough came up with a huge save in the first half as Winona's Nicole Sames took a kick from the right side of the box but McGough was able to stuff the shot and bring it in.

At the half the Mavericks held the edge in shots 7-3 and totaled two corner kicks compared to the Warriors zero.

Minnesota State would get on the board in the 59th minute. Senior Emily Moris was awarded a corner kick and found senior Sydney Temple streaking up from midfield. Temple kicked a one-timer that snuck by WSU goalkeeper Rachel Oleson into the right side of the net for just her second goal of the season. The assist by Moris was her 14th helper of the year and she now holds the record for most assists in a season by a Maverick.

The Mavericks would increase their lead in the 82nd minute as junior Jessica Bowe got in the scoring column. Sophomore Kiana Nickel slotted a ball across the box to Bowe for her sixth score of the year to solidify the win.

MSU outshot WSU 18-7 in the win and head four corner kicks compared to two for the Warriors.

McGough came up with two big saves for MSU in producing her 13th shutout of the year and improves her record to 20-0-0.

The Mavericks will hit the road for the third round of the NCAA tournament and will battle #10 Central Missouri on Friday. The game will be played in Kenosha, Wis. hosted by the University of Wisconsin, Parkside.