MANKATO, Minn. ---#14 Minnesota State is set for its first home-and-home series of the season as it will host Sioux Falls on Friday in Mankato at 3:00p.m. then packs up to hit the road for a match at Southwest Minnesota State on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Last weekend, MSU battled two NSIC bests in Minot State and UMarry going 1-0-1 on the weekend. Minnesota State opened the weekend against a determined Minot team that did not allow an inch finishing in a scoreless drawl. In part-two if the weekend, MSU slipped passed UMarry thanks to a Tia Martin goal in the 38th minute. The Mavericks head into this weekend with an overall record of 10-1-4 and 8-0-4 against NSIC opponents.

Facing USF: Heading into the 12th matchup with USF, the Mavericks are undefeated in their 11 previous matches against the Cougars. Sioux Falls is coming off a disappointing 2021 season finishing 11th and repeating its mishaps going 2-12-1 this season. In the previous matchup, Sioux Falls gave the Mavericks trouble forcing the pervious matchup on October 29th, 2021 into overtime. In just 30 seconds of the overtime period, Jenny Vetter added to her GWG total to push Minnesota State passed the Cougars.

Scouting the Cougars: The MISU offense is led by sophomore Julia Kreutner who leads the team in shots with 16 and owns one of the two goals scored by the Cougars on the year. In goal, USF relies on a platoon of senior Holli Knudsen and sophomore Caroline Titze. The duo has split the minutes evenly on the year at 675 each while combining for a .809 save percentage and a modest 1.93 goals-against average for an 0-10-5 record.

Facing SMSU: The Mavericks come into this weekend with a lifetime 20-1-1 in the last 22 matchups with the Mustangs. SMSU is coming off a poor 2021 season and is on pace to repeat another disappointing season going 2-6-4 in conference play this year. In the previous matchup, the Mavericks and Mustangs went head-to-head at The Pitch last Halloween. Mallie Mathis did not need a costume as SMSU was terrified of her scoring ability. Mathis finished the day with two goals, leading the Mavericks to a 2-0 victory. Mackenzie Rath was credited with the Win and Shutout after stopping all five shots.

Scouting the Mustangs: SMSU's offense is led by senior Alex Lotts who owns six goals and 14 points thus far through 15 games. In goal, Southwest relies on Junior Rachel Hicks who through 10 games has accumulated 900 minutes on the season. Hicks owns a .804 save percentage and a 1.10 goals-against average for an 1-3-6 record this season.