MOORHEAD, MN – A pair of first half goals was all the University of Mary women's soccer team needed to clinch their first Northern Sun tournament berth in five seasons. Freshman Emma Davies posted a goal for a third straight game and senior Elizabeth Patterson tacked on the game-winner in a 2-1 Marauders victory at MSU Moorhead.
 
The win not only guaranteed the Marauders a spot in the league tournament, it also allowed UMary to move up one slot to fifth in the standings. Should the Marauders win their season finale at home against Northern State University, the Marauders will be the fifth seed. Should the Marauders tie or lose to the Wolves, UMary could slide as low as seventh.
 
The 2017 Northern Sun tournament begins Nov. 1. Pairings will be determined after the completion of the regular season on Sunday. The top four finishers in the NSIC standings will host opening round games. The highest remaining seed will host the semifinals and the championship game.
 
"Clinching a playoff berth was job #1 today," said Marauders head coach Sarah Cook. "I am very proud of the group to persevere in the tough weather conditions and capitalize for the win.
 
"Today was another outstanding set piece day on both offense and defense. Also Emma Davies had an outstanding goal; the third straight game she has scored for us.
 
"We can't wait to play one more game at home Sunday and we hope to see all our fans at the bowl!"
 
Davies opened the scoring on a cold, windy day in the 25^th minute of play with Caitlin Dooley picking up the assist. It was the fourth goal this season for Davies.
 
Eleven minutes later, the Marauders doubled their lead as Patterson scored her second goal of the season off a feed from Jade Smith at 35:13.
 
Annika Greaney pulled the Dragons within 2-1 just 81 seconds later.
 
The Marauders turned the rest of the game over to their defense. Featuring one of the toughest back lines in the league, UMary eliminated any threats and allowed just one shot by MSU Moorhead the rest of the game.
 
UMary dominated the second half, holding an 8-1 edge in shots and in corner kicks over MSUM.
 
For the game, the Marauders held the edge in shots (12-5), shots on goal (8-3) and corner kicks (11-2).
 
The Marauders are 10-4-2 overall and 8-4-2 in the NSIC this season. It is the first time UMary has posted double digits in wins and a winning season since 2012. MSUM is 1-12-3 and 1-11-2.
 
UMary closes out the regular season at home against Northern State University on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 1 pm.
 
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