Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State women's soccer is scheduled to face three Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opponents this week: Concordia-St. Paul, MSU Moorhead and Northern State. Minnesota State faces Concordia-St. Paul on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., in St. Paul, Minn., MSU Moorhead on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., in Moorhead, Minn., and Northern State on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., in Aberdeen, S.D.     

Looking Back at Last Week: Minnesota State (7-3-1, 6-2-0 NSIC) compiled a 2-0 record in conference play last week. The Mavericks, who are fourth in the NSIC, defeated Wayne State -- seventh in the NSIC -- 4-0 on Friday at The Pitch. On Sunday, Minnesota State defeated Augustana -- third in the NSIC -- 4-0 in Sioux Falls, S.D.   

The Scoring Touch: After scoring four goals in their first four matches combined, the Mavericks have tallied 26 goals over their last seven matches -- an average of 3.71 goals per match. Over that span, Minnesota State has compiled a 6-1-0 record, while outscoring its opponents 26-3. With its offensive surge, Minnesota State has moved into first in the NSIC in goals per game (2.73) and 13th in NCAA DII in total goals (30). Minnesota State is first in the NSIC with 227 shots.

Underclassmen Scoring: Sophomore Morgan Cottew and freshman Alesha Duccini have been major contributors for the Maverick offense. Cottew, the reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Week, recorded three goals and three assists last week. Cottew, whose nine goals are the third most in the NSIC, has already equaled her scoring output from all of 2015. Cottew also has five assists and 23 points -- one point less than her 2015 total (24).

Duccini is tied for 8th in the NSIC with six goals and is tied for seventh with four assists. Her three game-winning goals -- tied for the third most in the NSIC -- are tied for the 26th most in NCAA DII. 

All-Time Mavericks: Senior Kiana Nickel garnered two goals and one assist for five points last week. She moved into sole possession of sixth place on the Maverick career points list with 94. Nickel's assist -- the 28th of her career -- moved her into a tie with Emily Moris (2011-14) for third place on the Maverick career assist list. 

In Goal: Freshman Alexa Rabune was named the NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week. She earned shutout victories against Wayne State and Augustana -- making five saves. 

Scouting Concordia-St. Paul: The Golden Bears (2-5-4, 2-2-4 NSIC) are 1-2-2 in their last five matches, including a 0-0 tie at Wayne State on Sunday

The Golden Bears are led on offense by Jade Weller, who leads the team in points (6) and assists (2). She is also tied for the team lead with two goals.
   
Scouting MSU Moorhead: The Dragons (3-8-0, 2-7-0 NSIC) have lost six of their last seven matches, including a 4-0 loss to Bemidji State at home on Sunday.

Jessica Johnson leads the Dragons in both goals (4) and points (8). She has one game-winning goal this season. 

Scouting Northern State: The Wolves (5-6-0, 3-6-0 NSIC) have lost six of their last seven matches, but  defeated Minnesota Crookston 1-0 in overtime on Sunday. 

The Wolves are led by Anna Bondy, who is second in the NSIC and eighth in NCAA DII with 12 goals. Her 28 points are tied for the most in the NSIC and are the eighth most in NCAA DII.  

Facing Concordia-St. Paul: The Mavericks are 13-0-0 all-time against the Golden Bears. Last season, the Mavericks defeated the Golden Bears twice -- winning 3-0 in the regular season and 6-2 in the opening round of the NSIC Tournament. 

Facing MSU Moorhead: The Mavericks, who are 12-2-0 all-time against the Dragons, have  won the last 11 meetings in the series. Minnesota State has shut out the Dragons in each of their last nine meetings. Last season, the Mavericks won 5-0 in their only match.

Facing Northern State: Minnesota State is 10-1-1 all-time against the Wolves, including wins in each of their last four meetings. Last season, the Mavericks won 5-1 in their lone match.