MANKATO, Minn. – The No. 2-ranked Minnesota State Mavericks return home this weekend for a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) matchups. MSU will host Minnesota Duluth on Friday at 3 p.m. and Bemidji State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at The Pitch.

The Mavericks (8-0-1) enter the weekend unbeaten after earning two road victories last weekend. On Friday, Minnesota State defeated Southwest Minnesota State 2-0 before earning a 3-0 win over Sioux Falls on Sunday.

In Friday's match against SMSU, the Mavericks dominated offensively with 32 total shots—11 on goal—while holding the Mustangs to just six shots. After a scoreless first half, MSU broke through in the 66th minute when sophomore Mila Rustin scored to give the Mavericks the lead. Junior Maddix Archer added another goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Courtney Kovacs, to secure the 2-0 victory.

Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine continued her stellar play, recording her eighth straight shutout with four saves. The win extended Minnesota State's shutout streak to eight matches.

On Sunday, the Mavericks continued their strong form with a 3-0 win over Sioux Falls. MSU controlled possession and tempo throughout the match, limiting the Cougars to minimal scoring opportunities.

The scoring started in the 37th minute when Marin Johnson converted a pass from Alicia Hoffman for her fourth goal of the season. In the second half, Archer netted her third goal of the year in the 55th minute, assisted by Addison Clarey, and Avery Korsching sealed the win with a goal in the 84th minute.

McAlpine was perfect once again, recording her ninth shutout of the season behind a strong defensive unit anchored by Anna Van Wyngarden and Maclayne Menzel.

If the Mavericks win both games this weekend against UMD and Bemidji State, they will tie the program record for most consecutive shutouts (11), last achieved in 2017. McAlpine currently leads the NSIC in goals-against average, saves, and shutouts per game.

About Minnesota Duluth

Minnesota State holds a 25-8-5 all-time record against the Bulldogs. The Mavericks defeated UMD 1-0 in their most recent meeting last season. This year, the Bulldogs are 3-3-3 overall (2-2-2 NSIC). Last weekend, UMD fell to Minot State and tied UMary. Junior Jessica Eischens and senior Elaina Shromoff lead the team with eight points each. Eischens has tallied two goals and four assists, while Shromoff has scored four goals.

About Bemidji State

MSU owns a 16-4-4 record against Bemidji State and claimed a 3-0 victory in last season's meeting. The Beavers enter the weekend with a 5-2-2 (3-2-1 NSIC) record after defeating UMary and drawing with Minot State last weekend. Senior Katina Barthelt leads the team with five goals and three assists for a total of 13 points.

Both matches will be streamed live on the NSIC Network.