Minnesota State (15-3-2, 12-2-1 NSIC) and Bemidji State (14-5-1, 11-3-1 NSIC) were tied at 0-0 for much of the first half. The Mavericks outshot the Beavers 14-3 in the half, but were unable to score until senior midfielder Dana Savino scored on a free kick in the 44th minute. After a Bemidji State foul just outside the box, Savino rocketed the free kick on goal. Catherine Arneson (8-2-1), the Beavers' goalkeeper, dove to her left, but the shot went off of her fingertips and into the side of the net. The Mavericks took the 1-0 lead into halftime. The goal is Savino's second of 2016.

The Mavericks struck quickly after halftime -- increasing their lead to 2-0 in the 52nd minute. Sophomore forward Morgan Cottew dribbled up the middle of the field and passed the ball over to junior forward Jenny Hoerter, who tucked a shot just inside the far post. The goal  is the sixth of the season for Hoerter, who extended her point streak to five consecutive matches. Cottew garnered her sixth assist of the season and her team-leading 36th point.

Minnesota State scored again in the 59th minute to increase its lead to 3-0. Sophomore defender Abby Hausken took a free kick just past midfield on the Beaver side of the field. The set piece went directly to freshman forward Taylor Kenealy inside the box, who turned and passed the ball to freshman midfielder Alesha Duccini. Duccini beat the goalkeeper for her eighth goal of the season. Duccini has 21 points in 2016 -- tied for the seventh most points by a freshman in Minnesota State single-season history. 

The Maverick defense, which was led by Hausken, junior defender Abby Nordeen and sophomore defender Morgan Seemuth, held the Beavers to eight shots, including one on goal. The Mavericks garnered their NSIC-leading 15th shutout of 2016.

Freshman goalkeeper Ryann Rydeen (5-0-0) made one save to pick up her fifth shutout of the year for the Mavericks.

Minnesota State, which has not lost since a 3-0 loss at Bemidji State on Oct. 1, improved to 11-0-1 in its last 12 matches.

Arneson made five saves in net for the Beavers.

The Mavericks advance to the NSIC Tournament Final at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday at Herb Parker Stadium. Mnnesota State will play the winner of the semifinal match between Augustana and No. 11 Minot State.