MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State has been jumped by Bemidji following its elimination to Minot state in the semi-finals of the NSIC tournament by penalty kicks, 4-3. The Mavericks will matchup with Northwest Missouri State in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Minnesota State travels to Bemidji to take on the Bearcats Friday at 12 p.m. The winner of the No. 3 Minnesota State vs. No. 6 Northwestern match will take on the winner of the No. 2 Bemidji State vs. No. 7 Central Oklahoma match on Sunday.

The two finalists in each subregion will advance to third and quarterfinal-round competition to be played Thursday, November 17 or Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 or Sunday, November 20. The semifinals and championship games will take place December 1 and 3 at Interbay Stadium in Seattle, Washington hosted by Seattle Pacific University.

Northwest owns a stellar 13-5-2 overall record along with an 8-3 record against its MIAA oppositions.
 
Facing NWM: In only two previous matchups with NWM, the Mavericks are 2-0 when facing the Bearcats. Northwest Missouri State is coming off a dominate season going 13-5-2 overall and 8-3 against MIAA opponents.

In the last matchup between both programs comes last season in non-conference action on September 12th. Jenny Vetter introduced herself to the bearcats in the 76th minute to give the Mavericks the 1-0 advantage late in the second half.

Mackenzie Rath recorded her second collegiate clean sheet in the Mavericks' victory. She made five saves in the contest. The Bearcats outshot the Mavericks 13-8 and edged MSU 5-4 in shots on goal. The Mavericks led the Bearcats in corners, 8-4, and fouls, 9-5, during the match.

Scouting the Bearcats: The Beavers offense is led by Junior Kaylie Rock who leads the team in assists and points with 6 assists and 25 points on the season. In goal, NWM relies on Freshman Lily Ellis who has accumulated 1,620 minutes on the season and has started 18 matches for the Bearcats. Ellis owns an .895 save percentage and a modest 0.44 goals-against average.