MANKATO, Minn. – No. 3 Minnesota State women's soccer battled through a physical, defensive showdown Sunday afternoon at The Pitch, emerging with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over No. 13 Central Missouri. Senior defender Anna Van Wyngarden delivered the game-winner in the 76th minute, burying a penalty kick to lift the Mavericks past the Jennies in a top-15 matchup.

The first half featured limited scoring chances as both defenses set the tone. Minnesota State's Lauren McAlpine stood tall in goal, making a key save on a low strike from UCM. The Mavericks generated opportunities of their own, with shots from Maddix Archer, Addison Clarey, and Marin Johnson testing the UCM back line but missing just wide.

The second half saw more urgency from Minnesota State as they pressed into the attacking third. McAlpine came up with another strong stop in the 62nd minute on a close-range effort from UCM to keep the game level. Moments later, Kiera Laney forced UCM keeper Kristen Wright into action with a high shot on target.

The breakthrough finally came in the 76th minute after Central Missouri was called for a foul inside the box. Van Wyngarden stepped up and converted the penalty kick into the bottom corner for her first goal of the season, putting the Mavericks in front 1-0. The Mavericks closed out the final moments to secure their second consecutive shutout to open the season.

McAlpine finished with four saves in the win, while the Mavericks outshot UCM 9-8.

With the win, Minnesota State improves to 1-0-1 on the year. The Mavericks return to action Friday as they travel to Allendale, Michigan to face Grand Valley State.