MANKATO, Minn. - The No. 5 Minnesota State (3-0) women's soccer team is starting NSIC conference play this weekend, kicking off with a match on Friday at 3:00 p.m. against Minot State (1-2), and wrapping up the weekend with a match against UMary (1-1-1) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
The Mavericks are coming off two 1-0 wins last weekend against then No. 10 Central Missouri, and No. 5 Grand Valley State. Against Central Missouri, freshman Callie Stanley scored in the 84th minute to break a scoreless tie and lead the Mavericks to a thrilling win. Against Grand Valley State, senior Lauren McAlpine was outstanding, saving 12 shots to keep the Lakers off the scoresheet. Sophomore Megan Grater scored the lone goal late in the first half, and McAlpine and the defensive unit held firm to give the Mavericks two big wins to end non-conference play.
About Minot State:
The Beavers enter the weekend coming off a win over Jamestown last weekend 1-0. Defender Else Duquesne scored the only goal of the game, helping her team get their first win of the season. Goalkeeper Rebecca Sargent prevented Jamestown from finding the back of the net, saving two shots en route to her first shutout of the young season. Duquesne's efforts led her to being named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week.
Leah Salas has been the biggest offensive playmaker so far, leading the team in shots with five, and shots on goal with three. Duquesne and Sierra Wallace also have created offensive pressure, both tallying two shots on goal.
Minnesota State holds a 12-1-6 record all-time against the Beavers and has not lost since 2017 (8-0-3 in that span). The Mavericks have also not lost to Minot State at The Pitch (6-0-5). The last matchup between the two NSIC foes saw the Mavericks win 5-0 at Minot State last season; the last match at The Pitch ended with a 2-0 Mavericks win.
About UMary:
The Marauders enter the weekend also coming off their first win of the season, a 3-0 shutout over Montana State Billings. Midfielder Dina Polanco scored twice in the match while goalkeeper Elena Van Heukelom saved five shots in the shutout.
Polanco has been causing havoc all season long; she is tied for the most goals in the NSIC with three. Her constant pressure on the net has her tied for third in Division II in shots on goal per game with 4.00, and fourth in shots per game with 7.00. Cate Jesena and Harlee Peltz have assisted Polanco in an offensive attack that has outshot their opponents 66-34, and 29-16 in shots on goal.
The Mavericks enter this weekend's matchup 18-1-4 all-time against UMary. Minnesota State is 11-0-3 in matches played at The Pitch and are 7-1-2 in the last ten meetings. Last season at The Pitch, the Mavericks won a 2-1 game to continue their strong stretch against the Marauders.
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