MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota State women's soccer team opened the 2021 campaign on a winning note with a 1-0 victory in overtime vs. Missouri Southern, Saturday afternoon at The Pitch.

After regulation, the Mavericks and Lions were scoreless, and shots were 16-11 in favor of MSU. Extra time was needed to declare a winner.

In overtime, sophomore forward Allie Williams scored the golden goal in the 92nd minute to give the Mavericks their first win of the season. Freshman forward Maille Mathis recorded her first career point on the game-winning goal with an over-the-top pass across the box that landed on a platter for Williams' right-foot tap in.

In the match, the Mavericks came out on top in shots 11-17. In the battle for corner kicks, the Mavericks prevailed 5-3 while the Lions led the way in fouls 10-2.

In goal for the Mavericks, freshman Clare Longueville recorded her first collegiate clean sheet in her first official start and appearance dawning the purple and gold. Longueville made six saves in the contest over 92:29 of action.

On the other end for the Lions, Riley Laver was perfect in net for MSSU until the end. Laver made nine consecutive saves until Williams netted her game-winner in overtime for MSU.

Minnesota State takes to the road for the next two weekends before returning to The Pitch, Sept. 24. Up first, the Mavericks travel to Missouri to take on Central Missouri, Friday at 7:00 p.m., before heading to Northwest Missouri State for one more contest, Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

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