MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State was able to shut out Augustana for the second time in a week by a score of 3-0 Friday afternoon at The Pitch.

In the first semifinal match of the day, Augustana came out and gave Minnesota State more than they were used to in the first half. Junior goalkeeper Alexa Rabune matched her career-high save total in just the first half with eight. The Maverick defense and Rabune were able to hold their own as the midfielders and forwards started to possess the ball more in the attacking third of the field. Minnesota State did break through with a goal early in the half, off the head of freshman Jenny Vetter. Senior Morgan Cottew put a corner kick near the front post, while Vetter was left unchecked by the Vikings defense and put away her fourth goal of the season in the 12th minute. The halftime score ended being 1-0 as both teams battled in the midfield for most of the half. 

The second half is where the Mavericks showed their dominance, outshooting the Vikings 16-4 and keeping the pressure on at all times. Minnesota State got its second goal of the match from senior Julia Zach in the 55th minute. The Augustana goalkeeper came out on a sliding save attempt and could not corral the ball. Zach took the missed save rebound and put it into the back of the net for her seventh goal of the season. MSU got its final goal in the 78th minute when freshman Brynn Desens received a through ball from senior Morgan Seemuth and scored her fourth goal of the season. 

Overall, the Mavericks outshot the Vikings 25-16 (13-11 on goal) in the match and also had a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. 

Rabune collected her 11th shutout of the season and also had a career high in saves with 11. Her counterpart, Claudia Pueschner, made 10 saves on 13 opportunities.

The Mavericks advance to the NSIC Championship where they will await the winner of the second semifinal match between Minot State and the University of Mary. The championship match will be on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m.