MANKATO, Minn. -- The Minnesota State women's soccer team has climbed one spot up to No. 2 in the latest USC DII women's soccer rankings. This is their highest ranking of the season after being No. 3 for the last three editions. The last time the Mavericks were ranked No. 2 was at this exact time last season. The jump in ranking lines up with MSU jumping up to No. 2 in the NPI rankings as well.

On the season, the Mavericks have a 16-1-2 record, and are 12-1-2 in NSIC competition. This past week they wrapped up their regular season schedule with a 4-2 win over St. Cloud State, clinching their third straight NSIC Regular Season Championship. They than kicked off the NSIC Tournament with a 3-0 win, once again against the Huskies, to advance to the Semifinals. Amara Smith scored three times across the two matches against the Huskies while Lauren McAlpine secured her 15th shutout of the season on Monday.

The Mavericks will have home field advantage in the NSIC semifinals, as they take on Northern State on Friday at 1 p.m. at The Pitch., they will also have home field advantage for the championship game on Sunday if they are to advance.

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