Mankato, Minn. --- Lexi Pszanka, Morgan Cottew, and Jenny Hoerter each scored a goal to propel No. 14 Minnesota State soccer to a 3-0 victory over Sioux Falls in a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference match at The Pitch on Friday afternoon. 
 
Minnesota State (5-1-0, 3-0-0 NSIC) jumped out to a 1-0 lead over Sioux Falls (3-3-1, 2-1-1 NSIC) in the 11th minute after Pszanka, a senior defender, found herself on the end of an Alesha Duccini cross. Duccini, a sophomore midfielder, picked her head up on the top of the eighteen and crossed the ball to a streaking Pszanka, who headed the ball just inside the post for the score. Pszanka's goal is her first of the season and sixth of her career. It is also her second career game-winning goal.
 
Minnesota State continued to provide service into the box throughout the rest of the first half, but were unable to find another breakthrough before the halftime whistle. The Maverick defense held firm — holding the Cougars to only one shot on goal in the opening half. 
 
Minnesota State came out firing in the second half and controlled the tempo of the match. Cottew, a junior forward, capitalized on the consistent pressure in the 62nd minute for the Mavericks' second goal. Cottew navigated through a crowded penalty area before finishing her effort with a goal slotted inside the far post. Junior defender Abby Hausken was credited with her first assist of the season. 
 
Hoerter, a senior midfielder, added to the Maverick tally in the 66th minute with another headed goal — giving Minnesota State the 3-0 lead it would not relinquish. Hoerter was found at the back post by Cottew, who provided a driven cross for her first assist of the season.  
 
Junior goalkeeper Taylor Livermore (3-0-0) made one save in goal for the Mavericks to record her third consecutive shutout to begin the season. She now has six career shutouts.
 
Minnesota State travels to Marshall, Minn., to take on Southwest Minnesota State on Sunday before returning home on Wednesday for a match against Concordia St. Paul. Both matches are NSIC contests.