SIOUX FALLS, SD – Returning to the basics of opportunistic scoring and overwhelming defense, the University of Mary women's soccer team completed a weekend sweep with a 1-0 win at the University of Sioux Falls in a game delayed by an hour after a large snowfall overnight.
 
Combined with the Marauders win Friday at Southwest Minnesota State University by an identical 1-0 score, UMary made an impressive jump in the Northern Sun standings. After picking up six points with the two wins, the Marauders jumped from 12^th place to ninth. With four games left to play the Marauders are only two points behind Northern State University for eighth place. The top eight teams make the NSIC tournament.
 
"This was a great double win weekend," said Marauders head coach Sarah Cook. "I am very proud of this group to persevere on such a high-stakes weekend. Our bench provided so much energy, support and pride in these two games that they were our MVP! We are excited to be back at home next weekend in front of our home crowd."
 
With winds of 15 miles an hour on a cold and cloudy day, the Marauders controlled the opening half, limiting the Cougars to just three shots with none on frame. UMary peppered USF with ten shots, including four on goal. It wasn't until the fourth shot on target that the Marauders broke through.
 
After just missing when Megan Lowery's header off a corner kick from Jade Smith in the 40^th minute was saved by USF goalkeeper Brayden Paul, the Marauders took advantage of another chance moments later and made sure to finish the opportunity.
 
From five feet in front of the net, Lowery knocked home a Smith corner kick at 41:23 for the only goal of the game. It was the senior's second counter of the season.
 
The Cougars turned up the pace in the second half. Madisyn Waltman was forced to make her first save in the 63^rd minute and added two more before the end of the game. She and the Marauders also withstood five Cougars corner kicks, including a pair in the final three minutes of play.
 
Waltman finished with three saves for her second clean sheet of the weekend and fifth of the season.
 
The Marauders held edges in shots (16-9) and shots on frame (6-4) while the Cougars had the advantage in corner kicks (7-6).
 
UMary, who ends the season with three of four games at home, next hosts Winona State University on Friday, Oct. 19, at 4 pm.
 
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