Mankato, Minn. --- Top-seeded Minnesota State women's soccer defeated third-seeded Augustana 2-0 on Sunday afternoon at The Pitch to capture its sixth Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament title.

Minnesota State (17-2-2) got on the scoreboard quickly against Augustana (14-3-4) in the first half of the NSIC Tournament Championship match. After a corner kick, Lauren Kizlik passed the ball to sophomore forward Alesha Duccini, who put the ball past Augustana's goalkeeper Taylor Machacek (13-3-4) in the 10th minute of play to put Minnesota State up 1-0. Duccini's goal was her third of the season.

After halftime, Junior forward Morgan Cottew doubled the Mavericks' lead – scoring her fifth goal of the season in the 50th minute. Kizlik tallied her second assist of the afternoon and senior midfielder Jenny Hoerter garnered the second assist on the play. 

Junior goalkeeper Taylor Livermore (10-1-1) recorded her tenth shutout of 2017 for the Mavericks, which ties her with Nicole Johnson (2007) for the fifth-most shutouts in a season in program history. Machacek stopped 13 shots in net for the Vikings.

The Maverick defense was dominant – holding the Vikings to three shot attempts and no shots on goal. Minnesota State recorded its 16th shutout of the season, which is one shy of the single-season program record of 17, which was achieved in 2014. The Mavericks outshot the Vikings 29-3, including a 15-0 advantage in shots on goal.

Six Mavericks were named to the 2017 NSIC Soccer All-Tournament Team. They are: Livermore, Duccini, Cottew, junior defender Abby Hausken, freshman forward Molly Sarafolean and senior midfielder Lexi Pszanka. In addition, Duccini was named the NSIC Tournament MVP.

The Mavericks earned an automatic qualifier into the 2017 NCAA DII Women's Soccer Tournament by winning the NSIC Tournament. The Mavericks, who will be making their 12th NCAA DII Tournament appearance, have now made seven consecutive NCAA Tournaments – dating back to 2011. The NCAA DII Women's Soccer selection show will be streamed online on Monday at 5:00 p.m. CST on NCAA.com.