Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State soccer is slated to play Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matches at Bemidji State on Saturday and at Minnesota Crookston on Sunday. Saturday's match is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., at BSU Soccer Complex and Sunday's match is scheduled for a noon start at UMC Soccer Field.   

Looking Back at Last Week: Minnesota State (4-2-1, 3-1-0 NSIC) went 2-0 in conference play last week -- outscoring its opponents 8-0. The Mavericks defeated Sioux Falls 4-0 on Friday in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Southwest Minnesota State 4-0 on Sunday at The Pitch.  

Offensive Prowess: After scoring four goals total over their first four matches, the Mavericks have tallied 13 goals over their last three matches -- all conference victories. Minnesota State's offensive resurgence has been led by sophomore Morgan Cottew, who leads the team in goals (5) and points (12). Freshmen Taylor Kenealy and Alesha Duccini have also contributed with four and three goals, respectively.  

Playmaking Ability: From her midfield position, senior Kiana Nickel has orchestrated the offensive attack. She leads Minnesota State with three assists on the season.

Point Streaks: Sophomore Morgan Cottew and senior Kiana Nickel are tied with Minnesota State's longest-active point streaks -- having collected points in each of the last four matches. Cottew has garnered four goals -- one in each match -- and two assists for 10 points over the span, while Nickel has tallied three assists and two goals, including the game-winning score against Southwest Minnesota State, for seven points. 

Freshman Alesha Duccini, junior Jenny Hoerter and senior Dana Savino are tied for the second-longest point streak, with points in three consecutive matches. Duccini has recorded two goals and two assists for six points over the three matches, Hoerter has tallied two goals and one assist for five points,  while Savino has collected one goal and two assists.

Stifling Defense: The Minnesota State defense has recorded three consecutive shutout victories. The Mavericks' shutout wins came against Minnesota Duluth (5-0, Sept. 18), Sioux Falls (4-0, Friday) and Southwest Minnesota State (4-0, Sunday).

Scouting Bemidji State: Bemidji State (6-2-0, 4-1-0 NSIC), which is receiving votes in the national poll, had a four-game winning streak snapped with a 1-0  overtime loss at No. 15 Minot State on Sunday. Goalkeeper Anna Fobbe (3-1-0) made six saves in the loss.

The Beavers' offense is led by Ertl Bayley, who has five goals and three assists for 13 points. Three Bemidji State players have garnered 10 points each: Miranda Famestad, Sarah Stram, and Raquel Thelen.    

Scouting Minnesota Crookston: The Golden Eagles (2-6-0, 1-4-0 NSIC) have lost there last three matches, including a 2-0 defeat at U-Mary on Sunday.

Kallie Gau and Lindsey Daml lead the team with two goals and four points each. 

Lorna McCall and Nicole Corbin share the team lead in assists (1). McCall also has one goals and three points.

Facing Bemidji State: The Mavericks are 11-1-1 all-time against the Beavers. Minnesota State has won six-straight matches dating back to 2011. Over that span, MSU has outscored BSU 16-2. Last season, Minnesota State won 1-0 at Bemidji State.

Facing Minnesota Crookston: Minnesota State has never lost to Minnesota Crookston -- going 9-0 since 1999. The Mavericks have outscored the Golden Eagles 43-4 all-time. Last season, MSU won 2-0 at Crookston.