WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Minnesota State (17-1-6, 11-0-3 NSIC) prevailed in a nail-biting Division II Central Region soccer match against Central Missouri (17-5-2, 9-2-1 NSIC), securing their spot in the NCAA Semifinals with a thrilling 1-0 overtime win at South Recreation Complex Sunday (Dec. 1).

The game featured two evenly matched teams battling through 90 minutes of regulation, plus an additional 15 minutes of overtime before the decisive moment came. Minnesota State dominated offensively with 10 shots on goal, while Central Missouri managed 5.

The breakthrough came in the 105th minute when Avery Korsching seized an opportunity. After blocking a clearing attempt, Korsching skillfully dribbled the ball down the field and fired a high shot into the left corner for her fourth goal of the season.

"Incredibly proud of how much fight our ladies showed today and how resilient they were no matter what came at them. I'm so happy for our ladies…they've worked so hard and have been so committed all season long. They earned this moment." said head coach Brian Bahl. "We knew UCM was a terrific team and that it would be a 90 minute battle or more and it certainly was.  We talked about that throughout our preparation and how important it would be to just remain composed and keep playing. So many momentum swings and big moments but they stayed the course and found a way!"

The ball glanced off Central Missouri's goalkeeper and found the back of the net, sealing victory for Minnesota State.

The Jennies hit the crossbar minutes earlier but the game remained deadlocked.
The Mavericks advance to the Elite Eight and will host (for the first time since 2019 at The Pitch. 

Minnesota State hosts No. 17 ranked Grand Valley State on Saturday, December 7th at Noon CT, with a chance to reach the NCAA Final Four for the first time. The Lakers and Mavericks also played in Mankato in the 2019 Elite Eight and GVSU won 5-2.

With the victory over Central Missouri on Sunday, the Mavericks improved to 14-14-6 all-time in the NCAA tournament. Their first appearance came in 2003 and 2024 marks their third all-time appearance in the Elite Eight.