MANKATO, Minn.--- Minnesota State will open the 2024 season against Emporia State at The Pitch on Friday at 4 p.m. The Mavericks will then host West Florida at the Pitch on Sunday at 2 p.m. 

Facing Emporia State: The Mavericks won their first game against the Hornets by a final of 2-1 on November 9 in the opening round of the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Minnesota State forward Dakota Wendell scored her 16th goal in overtime to lead the Mavericks to a win over Emporia State. Minnesota state tied their second game against the Hornets with a score of 0-0. 

Scouting the Hornets: ESU finished its season with a 14-6-4 overall record and a 8-2-1 conference record, securing their third title in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Emporia State fell to Washburn in the Central Region Championship 2-1, including a penalty kick. Emporia State were led by Mackenzie Dimarco who completed her career with 84 goals and 179 points. Both were MIAA career records.  

Facing West Florida: The Mavericks have never played the Argonauts.  

Scouting the Argonauts: West Florida finished its season with a 15-3-1 overall record and a 12-1 conference record. UWF fell short in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Mya Swinton and Ahnalie Layman land as scholar All-American. Mya led the team with 23 points while earning GSC Offensive Player of the Year and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Ahnalie finished the season with 10 points and maintained a 3.61 GPA.  

The Mavericks host Southwest Minnesota State vs. West Florida at The Pitch on Friday September 6 at 1 p.m. Attendance is free and games will be streamed on NSIC Network (no cost).