MANKATO, Minn. – In a game marked by grit, determination, and standout performances, the Minnesota State Mavericks (14-1-6, 11-0-3 NSIC) captured the 2024 NSIC Soccer Championship title with a 2-0 victory over the Minot State Beavers (11-5-3, 8-3-3 NSIC).

The Mavericks set the tone early, with Maddix Archer wasting no time, scoring in just the second minute off a perfectly executed assist from Lucy Weninger. With relentless defense and strategic play, Minnesota State held their 1-0 advantage into halftime despite Minot State's push for an equalizer.

The game's tension peaked in the final moments as Minot State pressed forward. But Maddix Archer delivered again, this time finding Addison Clarey for a crucial goal with less than a minute on the clock. The Mavericks sealed their NSIC Championship with the 2-0 triumph.

Key individual performances underscored Minnesota State's dominant tournament run. Ashlyn Watt, Kiera Laney, Maddix Archer, and Lucy Weninger earned spots on the 2024 NSIC Soccer Championship All-Tournament Team. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Clare Longueville was a wall in the net, earning the prestigious NSIC Tournament Championship Most Valuable Player award for her outstanding efforts throughout the tournament.

With this victory, the Mavericks not only secured the title of the NSIC Conference but has qualified for the NCAA Tournament. The selection show will be on Monday at 6:30 p.m. 

Minnesota state won its 11th conference tournament championship since 1995 and eighth during head coach Brian Bahl's tenure. The Mavericks are 11-14-6 all-time in the NCAA Tournament and last made the Elite Eight in 2019. MSU currently leads NCAA Division II in goals against average. The team has not surrendered a goal since October 11 against Southwest Minnesota State.