MANKATO, Minn. --- The No. 1 rated Minnesota State women's soccer team defeated Bemidji State 1-0 in the first round of the NSIC/US Bank Tournament at The Pitch in Mankato on Wednesday afternoon.

The Mavericks controlled the pace of the game in the first half and were able to get on the board in the 9th minute. Senior Emily Moris kicked a ball straight up into the air and junior Korey Kronforst out jumped the Beaver's defense to head it into past BSU goalkeeper Sonja Barr to give MSU a 1-0 lead.

Minnesota State held a 11-2 advantage in shots and had four corner kicks while allowing zero to the Beavers.

In the second half both teams were really physical and increased the tempo of the game. Each team had a couple of good scoring chances but were unable to find the back of the net as the Mavericks won by a final score of 1-0.

Senior Molly McGough did not have to make any saves during the match and improves her record to 17-0-0 on the season.

The Mavericks outshot the Beavers 23-3 and had a 7-0 advantage in shots on goal. They also added 10 corner kicks while not giving up any to the Beavers.

With the win Minnesota State (19-0-0) advances to the second round of the NSIC/US Bank tournament. Bemidji State's season comes to end with a final record of 9-9-1.

MSU will host the final two rounds of the postseason tournament at The Pitch. The semifinals will be played on Friday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively. The Mavericks will play in the 2 p.m. game on Friday against the University of Upper Iowa for a chance to advance to the championship game on Sunday at 1 p.m.