MANKATO, Minn. – History is on the line as the fourth-seeded Minnesota State Mavericks (17-1-7) gear up to face the second-seeded Columbus State Cougars (22-0-2) in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. The match kicks off at 2 p.m. CT on Friday in Matthews, North Carolina. This marks the Mavericks' first-ever trip to the Final Four.

Fans can watch the game on NCAA.com.

Recap of Last Weekend
The Mavericks punched their ticket to the Final Four in dramatic fashion, besting Grand Valley State in double overtime and a nail-biting penalty shootout on December 7th. Goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine delivered the game-winning moment, diving to her left to block Grand Valley's fifth penalty kick.

Facing the Cougars:
This will be the first meeting between Minnesota State and Columbus State.

Scouting Columbus State:
The Cougars advanced to the Final Four after edging West Florida in a 4-3 penalty shootout. Their offensive standout is Sarah Hungerford, who has netted 12 goals and tallied four assists this season. In goal, Heidi Harris anchors the defense with an impressive .857 save percentage and ranks fifth in Division II for goals-against average (0.343).

For the Mavericks:
Minnesota State boasts the top defense in Division II, allowing just six goals across 25 games. NSIC Defensive Player of the Year Lucy Weninger has been a key force, starting every game and averaging 85 minutes per match. Offensively, sophomore Maddix Archer leads with nine goals and eight assists.

Goalkeeper Clare Longueville has been stellar, ranking second in Division II in goals-against average (0.203), first in save percentage (.946), and fourth in shutouts (13).

What's Ahead:
A win on Friday would send Minnesota State to their first-ever Division II National Championship match on Sunday, December 15, where they would face either Cal Poly Pomona or Franklin Pierce.