Mankato, Minn. --- The Minnesota State soccer team defeated Southwest Minnesota State 4-1 Friday afternoon at The Pitch.
 
The Mavericks improve their record to 8-2-0 (5-2-0 NSIC) with the win and move past SMSU in the conference standings. With the loss, the Mustangs fall to 6-3-0 (4-3-0 NSIC).
 
The Mavericks held a 4-0 lead at the end first half, taking advantage of a 20 miles per hour wind and keeping possession of the ball in the offensive zone most of the half. Sophomore Jenny Vetter's goal broke the scoreless tie in the 13th minute, giving the Mavericks a 1-0 lead. Vetter's sixth goal of the season was assisted by senior Anna Mixon. Vetter then took it upon herself to score her team-leading seventh goal of the season and second goal of the game with a shot to the lower right corner in the 20th minute. Vetter played the ball off a Mustang defender at midfield and drove all the way down to score past the goalkeeper, who came off her line. Freshman Allie Williams gave Minnesota State the 3-0 lead in the 31st minute after receiving the ball at the top of the box from sophomore Brooke Valiukas and scoring her third goal of the season. Freshman Abby Begin rounded out the scoring in the first half in the 34th minute. Begin scored her first collegiate goal after Williams' saved shot ricocheted towards her right in front of the goal as Begin tapped the ball in. 

Southwest Minnesota State made it 4-1 in the 57th minute of the second half when senior Alli Miskowiec scored with a shot to the lower left corner. Mavericks were back in the scoring column in the 71st minute when sophomore Sydney DePrenger scored her first goal of the season with a shot to the lower left to give Minnesota State a 5-1 lead with another assist going to Williams.

Senior Alexa Rabune (7-2-0) earned the win after making four saves and allowing a goal. Freshman Amanda Haimes (6-3-0) made seven saves in the loss, allowing five goals. 

The Mavericks outshot the Mustangs 22-8, including a 12-5 edge in shots on goal and held a 7-2 corner kick advantage in the win.

Williams finished the match with a career-high four points on a goal and two assists, while Vetter also finished with four points after scoring two goals.
 
Minnesota State continues its four-game homestand on Sunday with a 1:00 p.m., match against Sioux Falls at The Pitch.