MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State (5-0-1, 3-0 NSIC) stayed unbeaten on the season with a commanding 4-0 victory over Northern State (0-5-1, 0-2-1 NSIC) Friday afternoon at The Pitch. The Mavericks controlled play from start to finish to secure their sixth shutout of the year.

Minnesota State set the tone early, keeping Wolves goalkeeper MacKenzie Turner busy with a flurry of shots in the opening minutes. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Savanna Stockness netted her first goal of the season, finishing a feed from Avery Korsching to give the Mavericks a 1-0 advantage. Despite multiple chances, MSU didn't double its lead until just before halftime, when freshman Aftyn Murray slotted home a pass from Allie Hartig in the 44th minute, sending the Mavericks into 2-0 at halftime.

In the second half, sophomore forward Mila Rustin made an immediate impact off the bench as this was her first home game back after an injury, scoring twice in a three-minute span. Her first strike in the 65th minute came off a combination play from Marin Johnson and Alicia Hoffman. Just two minutes later, Rustin struck again, this time assisted by Johnson, extending MSU's lead to 4-0 and effectively sealing the result.

Defensively, Minnesota State kept Northern State's offense in check throughout the match. Wolves forwards were limited to just eight total shots, only three of which landed on target. Goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine turned aside each of those attempts to collect her sixth clean sheet of the season.

The Mavericks outshot the Wolves 27-8, including 14 shots on goal, and held a 10-2 advantage in corner kicks, consistently maintaining possession and dictating the pace of play.

Minnesota State returns to action on Sunday, hosting Jamestown at 1 p.m. at The Pitch as part of homecoming weekend.