MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State and Concordia St. Paul played to a 1-1 draw on Friday at The Pitch, but the Mavericks won the penalty Kicks to advance to the NSIC Championship. The Golden Bears struck first with a goal in the opening half and maintained the lead until the Mavericks equalized later in the half. 

The first half began with the Mavericks establishing offensive efforts, as Maddix Archer took two early shots that narrowly missed the target. The Golden Bears managed to break through first, with Sophia Haase scoring in the 19th minute. The Mavericks quickly responded, with Archer equalizing in the 21st minute off assists from Maille Mathis and Kiera Laney.

As the half progressed, both teams exchanged opportunities, but neither could capitalize further. Lauren McAlpine made a crucial save in the 42nd minute, maintaining the tie. The half concluded with the score level at 1-1.

The second half began with the Mavericks maintaining offensive pressure, earning multiple corner kicks in the early minutes. Laney and Avery Korsching each attempted shots that narrowly missed the target, keeping the intensity high.

As the half progressed, the Mavericks continued to press forward, with Addison Clarey nearly converting a chance that struck the top woodwork. The Golden Bears responded with several attempts, but the Mavericks' defense, anchored by goalkeeper McAlpine, held firm, notably saving a close-range effort in the 86th minute. The half concluded with neither team altering the scoreboard, ending in a 0-0 draw.

The overtime period commenced with both teams vying for control. The Mavericks managed to create a scoring opportunity when Clarey attempted a shot in the 97th minute, though it did not find the target. The Golden Bears responded with several attempts, notably three shots from Sophia King early in the period, but they were unable to convert.

The period concluded without a breakthrough from either side, as both defenses held firm. The score remained level at the end of the overtime period, and the game ended in a draw.

The second overtime period began with the Mavericks pressing forward, highlighted by a corner kick at the 104th minute. Archer tested the Golden Bears' defense with a shot on goal in the 107th minute, which was saved by Sydney Potter. Despite this effort, the period ended with no change in score as the Mavericks maintained their defensive stance, preventing the Golden Bears from capitalizing on their attempts. The match concluded with the score remaining level.

The shootout began with Mathis missing the first attempt for the Mavericks, but McAlpine matched the defensive effort, stopping the Golden Bears' first shot by Clare Snapko. Archer then converted for the Mavericks, while the Golden Bears responded with a successful attempt by Jada Cannady.

Maclayne Menzel put the Mavericks ahead again, and McAlpine made a crucial save on Nicole Moore's effort to maintain the edge. Courtney Kovacs extended the Mavericks' lead, but the Golden Bears' Haase kept the visitors in contention with a successful shot. Anna Van Wyngarden sealed the victory for the Mavericks, concluding the shootout with a decisive score. The Mavericks emerged victorious with MSU making 4-5 penalty shots and CSP making 2-4 penalty shots. The score concluded at 1-1, and the shootout tipping the result in favor of the home team.

Archer scored one goal and led the team with four shots, including two on target. Mathis provided an assist, contributing to the team's overall effort. Laney also recorded an assist while taking one shot. In goal, McAlpine played the entire 110 minutes, making two saves on 19 shots faced.

In their next game, the Mavericks will compete in the NSIC Tournament Championship on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. at The Pitch as they face St. Cloud State.