Box Score MANKATO, Minn.--- The sixth-rated Minnesota State soccer team opened up the 2015-16 season with a 5-1 victory over Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Thursday afternoon at The Pitch.
#6 Minnesota State held true to their number six ranking in the country by coming out strong in the first match of the season., Midway through the first half of the contest, freshman forward
Julia Zach (Oconomowok, Wis.) scored her first career goal by heading a pass in the box from freshman forward
Maddy Burandt (Mankato, Minn.). 15 minutes later in the 40
th minute, sophomore midfielder
Jenny Hoerter (Stevens Point, Wis.) followed suit kicking in a headed pass from freshman defense
Bri Lindstrom (Apple Valley, Minn.) for what proved to be the game-winning shot. MSU took the lead 2-0 into the second half.
In the second half of action, Minnesota State scored three more goals to cement their first victory of the season., In the 52 minute, junior midfielder
Kiana Nickel (Wayzata, Minn.) teed up a corner from the right to senior forward
Korey Kronforst (Cary, Ill.) who headed a pass to junior defenseman
Sidni Trotter (Omaha, Neb) to notch the game at 3-0., Kronforst added a marker of her own just five minutes later off of a head pass from freshman defenseman
Abby Hausken (Oakdale, Minn.) in the SWOSU box., Hausken then capitalized for the final goal with an unassisted blast form 60 feet out., The Bulldogs were able to break the shutout when senior forward Samantha Nunez took a pass from fellow senior forward Eva Rule, sliding the ball past senior goalkeeper
Lauren Hoeppner (Lakeville, Minn.) in the 77th minute of the match.
Hoeppner recorded eight saves throughout the contest and increased her career record to 5-0-1.
The Mavericks held an 18-17 shots advantage and a 9-3 corner kick advantage.
No. 6 Minnesota State will continue action Sunday as they host the Bronchos of the University of Central Oklahoma at The Pitch with a 12 p.m. start.
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