BISMARCK, ND – Hannah Richter scored two of the biggest goals of her career and Madisyn Waltman proved spectacular in net as the University of Mary women's soccer team earned arguably the Marauders biggest regular season NCAA-era victory, defeating 4^th ranked Minnesota State University 2-1.
 
The Marauders win over the Mavericks, ranked fourth in the country and the defending Northern Sun champion, is the highest-ranked team UMary has beaten during the regular season since moving to NCAA and Northern Sun play in 2006.
 
"Every game takes a lot of preparation for us to come up with the best game plan we can to be our best us on the pitch come game day," said Marauders head coach Sarah Cook. "I want to give a big shout out to Logan Christensen, my assistant coach, for all the work he puts in to game plan against our opponents. He works tirelessly, and he's an amazing assistant.
 
"Secondly to our whole team. Having less staff than most teams we have to utilize every resource we possibly can to stay ahead of our opponents. Our players studied their opponents diligently, and our bench was absolutely influential in our preparation for this game.
 
"As far as the game, wow! The team was amazing. They attacked the game plan flawlessly. Hannah Richter was the player of the game, the difference maker; she was tremendous!
 
"I am so proud of our team and this result. But know we have more to accomplish this weekend, as well as celebrate 25 years of UMary Soccer!"
 
With a wind howling out of the southeast at over 20 miles per hour and to the Marauders backs in the first half, UMary opened the scoring in the 36^th minute on a pair of impressive individual plays.
 
As Minnesota State was on the attack, Cassidy Pierce took the ball away from the Mavericks and sent a perfect pass the other way towards Richter. Taking the ball before the midfield stripe and working and creating space as she dribbled down the left flank of the MSU defense, Richter turned on the jets and bolted past the five defenders surrounding the UMary forward. After turning the corner just inside the top left of the penalty area, she continued her charge and slashed a shot from the left corner of the goal box into the lower right portion of the net for a 1-0 lead.
 
Now faced with playing into the wind, Richter doubled the Marauders lead in the 60^th minute. Off a scramble to the right side of the net, Yasmina Dokara won the ball from the Mavericks defenders and slid the ball to Richter. Left alone just inside of the penalty spot, Richter settled the ball and slid the ball into the right side of the net for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.
 
Minnesota State stepped up its attack over the last 30 minutes but Waltman proved strong in net. The sophomore netminder made five saves and warded off five corner kicks to protect the Marauders lead, including three in the final seven minutes from close range. The Mavericks finally penetrated the Marauders stellar defense with 57 seconds remaining but UMary's defense remained strong through the final minute of play.
 
Waltman finished with eight saves in the game.
 
The Marauders held a 5-2 advantage in shots in the first half before the Mavericks turned the tables for an 11-3 edge in the second half and 13-8 for the game. UMary placed five shots on frame for the game to nine for MSU, all of which came in the second half for the Mavericks. MSU also held a 7-0 edge in corner kicks, with six coming after intermission.
 
UMary improves to 4-1-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the Northern Sun. Minnesota State is 6-2-0 and 3-2-0.
 
Celebrating the 25^th season of soccer at UMary this weekend, the Marauders close the festivities with the return of Reza's Pitch and tailgating at 10 am and a match against NSIC-leading Concordia-St. Paul on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 1 pm.
 
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