MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State defeated the University of Mary 2-1 on Monday at The Pitch. The Mavericks secured the win with two first-half goals and maintained their lead with strong defensive play. Despite UMary's attempt to rally with a second-half goal, Minnesota State's goalkeeper recorded six saves, preserving the victory. With this win, the Mavericks move on to the semifinals of the NSIC Tournament. 

Minnesota State began the first half with a strong offensive start, opening the scoring in the 2nd minute when Courtney Kovacs found the back of the net, assisted by Avery Korsching and Maille Mathis. The momentum continued just a few minutes later with Mathis herself scoring in the 5th minute, assisted by Maddix Archer, to extend the home team's lead.

Throughout the half, the Mavericks maintained pressure, with several attempts on goal, including shots from Kiera Laney and Amara Smith, though Kadyn Dilger of UMary managed multiple saves. On the defensive end, Lauren McAlpine made key stops to preserve the lead. The half concluded with Minnesota State holding a 2-0 advantage.

The second half commenced with the Mavericks maintaining a narrow lead. Early on, Korsching attempted to extend the advantage with a shot that went wide left. McAlpine made a crucial save at the 48:18 mark, denying a close-range effort from Rachel Gensch of UMary.

Despite Minnesota State's efforts to control the tempo, the Marauders found the back of the net in the 70th minute with a goal from Dina Polanco, reducing the lead to one. The Mavericks responded with multiple attempts to restore their two-goal cushion, but shots by Smith and Archer were either saved or off target.

As time wound down, Minnesota State held firm defensively, with McAlpine making additional saves, including a shot from Olivia Gardner in the 83rd minute. The Mavericks concluded the half with a 2-1 lead, poised to secure the win.

McAlpine recorded six saves, conceding just one goal in the Mavericks' win. Mathis contributed a goal and an assist, with her goal being the game-winner. Archer added to the attack with four shots and one assist. Smith was active offensively, registering four shots on goal.

In their next game, Minnesota State will compete in the NSIC Tournament Semifinals on Friday, Nov. 14 at 1 p.m. The match is set to take place at The Pitch. The Mavericks will either face Concordia St. Paul or Minot State.