MANKATO, Minn. --- #2 Minnesota State (14-0-2, 12-0-1 NSIC) shut out Augustana (10-3-3, 8-3-2) 2-0 on Friday at The Pitch. This victory not only marked the team's dominance on the field but also clinched their eighth NSIC Regular Season Championship.

"We needed a game against a high level opponent to reset ourselves and start working towards a postseason mentality and effort level," head coach Brian Bahl said. "We got that from our ladies today. They were gritty, tough, physical, smart and played with a ton of heart.

"We were aggressive minded on both sides of the ball and that enabled us to limit a good Augie team to only one corner and kept their shot opportunities to spots that weren't all that dangerous."

The Mavericks secured the win with two second-half goals, while their defense, led by a six-save performance from goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine, maintained the clean sheet. Notably, this was McAlpine's 15th shutout of the season. Minnesota State outshot the Vikings 21-11, with nine of those on target.

The first half began with both teams establishing their presence on the field. Minnesota State created multiple offensive opportunities, with sophomore Reese Hilsenbeck and senior Courtney Kovacs each taking early shots. However, the shots failed to find the back of the net, as did subsequent attempts by sophomore Savanna Stockness and junior Maddix Archer.

Defensively, sophomore Lauren McAlpine was solid in goal, making crucial saves against Augustana's attempts, including a key save on a shot by Madelyn White. The Mavericks continued to apply pressure with several corner kicks and shots on goal from junior Allie Hartig, junior Mila Rustin, and junior Ruthie Gyasi, but Taya Baker in goal for Augustana kept the score level. The half closed with both teams tied at 0-0.

The second half opened with the Mavericks creating early opportunities, including a shot by senior Kiera Laney in the 46th minute. McAlpine was pivotal in maintaining momentum with saves on shots from Augustana's Ally Hamski and Halle Miller in the initial stages.

"I really liked our second half attacking mindset as well," Bahl said. "I'm proud of our ladies, they've worked so hard and earned this conference championship."

Minnesota State took the lead in the 62nd minute with a goal from Kovacs. Augustana attempted to respond with multiple shots, but McAlpine continued to thwart their efforts.

Minnesota State extended its lead in the 82nd minute with a goal from senior Addison Clarey, assisted by Hilsenbeck and Kovacs. The half closed with the Mavericks maintaining a 2-0 advantage, securing the victory and ensuring their place as the No. 1 seed in the NSIC Tournament. They will host the eighth seed in the first round on Monday, Nov. 10.

McAlpine recorded six saves in the match, contributing to a shutout performance. Kovacs scored a goal and added an assist, with her goal being the game-winner. Clarey contributed by finding the back of the net with her single shot on goal. Hilsenbeck provided an assist, helping to set up one of the team's goals.

In their next game, the Mavericks will host Wayne State on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m. CT at The Pitch in Mankato, Minn.