MANKATO, Minn – No. 2 Minnesota State (15-0-2, 13-0-1 NSIC) will host St. Cloud State (12-1-4, 10-1-3 NSIC) on Thursday at 1 p.m. at The Pitch to close out the regular season.

 The Mavericks enter the weekend after strong wins against Augustana and Wayne State, securing their eighth NSIC Regular Season Championship.

On Friday, Minnesota State topped Augustana 2-0, with senior Courtney Kovacs scoring the game-winning goal in the 62nd minute and senior Addison Clarey adding a second goal in the 82nd minute, assisted by Kovacs and sophomore Reese Hilsenbeck. Goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine made six key saves, recording her 15th shutout of the season. The Mavericks outshot Augustana 21-11, with nine shots on goal, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities.

Sunday's matchup against Wayne State ended in a 4-2 victory for the Mavericks. Minnesota State struck early, with Amara Smith scoring in the 27th minute off an assist from Meghan Sullivan. Megan Grater extended the lead in the 40th minute, assisted by Abby Hoiska and Allie Hartig, as the Mavericks headed into halftime up 2-0.

 In the second half, Clarey scored in the 46th minute, followed by a penalty kick from Kennedy Macke in the 67th minute. Wayne State responded with goals in the 80th and 84th minutes, but Minnesota State maintained a two-goal advantage to secure the win. McAlpine made six saves, five coming in the first half, keeping the Mavericks in control throughout the game.

About St. Cloud State:

Minnesota State has historically held the upper hand against St. Cloud State, leading the al-time series 28-7-4, including a 2-1 NCAA Tournament victory last season. The Huskies are led offensively by senior Ellie Primerano and junior Linsey Trapino, with sophomore Jaylee Strickland anchoring the net.

Both games will be streamed live on the NSIC Network.