MANKATO, Minn --- Second-seeded Minnesota State captures its third straight, and seventh overall, NSIC Tournament Championship win a 1-0 shutout over fourth-seeded Minot State on Sunday afternoon at The Pitch. 

This home win now makes to Mavericks 12-0-0 at home this season and have a current unbeaten streak of 33 matches, dating back to Sept. 18, 2016. They are three matches away from the current record of being unbeaten at home for 36 straight matches.

Only one goal came in a very physical and competitive championship match that had 20 fouls called throughout the game as well as two yellow cards. That goal came in the 60th minute when senior Morgan Cottew found junior Dakota Wendell streaking towards the goal and laying the ball in the box for Wendell to go and get. Wendell beat the Beavers goalkeeper to the far post for her 15th goal of the season. The 15th goal moves Wendell into the top 10 all-time for a single season for goals, being tied for ninth as well as being tied for tenth in points in a single seaon in Minnesota State history. By having three assists over the last two matches, Cottew now has a season total of 12 which puts her tied for fifth all-time in a single season in Minnesota State history.

Throughout the match, Minnesota State held wide margins in a couple categories that led them to a win including outshooting Minot State 24-11 (6-6 on goal), holding a 15-2 corner kicks advantage and also having six saves compared to five.

Junior Alexa Rabune and the Maverick defense held the opponent scoreless in all three matches during the NSIC Tournament. Rabune is now in the top 10 for three single season records all-time in Minnesota State history. The 18th win is tied for second, the 12th shutout is third and the 72 saves is ninth all-time for a single season.

Six Mavericks were named to the 2018 NSIC Soccer All-Tournament team. They are: Cottew, Wendell, Rabune, senior Morgan Seemuth, senior Abby Hausken, and senior Maddy Burandt. In addition, Cottew was also named the 2018 NSIC Tournament MVP. 

The Mavericks earned an automatic qualifier into the 2018 NCAA DII Women's Soccer Tournament by winning the NSIC Tournament. The Mavericks, who will be making their 13th NCAA DII Tournament appearance, have now made eight consecutive NCAA Tournaments – dating back to 2011. The NCAA DII Women's Soccer selection show will be streamed online on Monday at 5:30 p.m. CST on NCAA.com.

Head coach Brian Bahl, Alexa Rabune and Morgan Cottew commented following the match.