MANKATO, MN – Looking to make another step forward in the Northern Sun soccer standings, the University of Mary came up just short in an upset bid against 14^th ranked and NSIC-leading Minnesota State University. The Mavericks took advantage of a fortuitous carom of a blocked shot to score the lone goal in a 1-0 win over the visiting Marauders.
 
The Mavericks started fast with four shots and two corner kicks in the first eight minutes of play, including a pair of shots on frame turned away by Marauders goalkeeper Madisyn Waltman.
 
UMary quickly settled in and went on the attack but were unable to get a shot past Minnesota State's Mackenzie Rath.
 
Continuing to press on offense, the Mavericks broke through 38 minutes into the game. A shot taken atop the penalty area by Anna Van Wyngarden was blocked by a Marauders defender. The deflection landed right at the feet of Tia Martin just inside the goal box on the right side. Without hesitation, she fired a shot back against the grain into the left side of the net for the game's lone goal.
 
The Marauders just missed on the equalizer with just under two minutes remaining. From 20 yards out, Rio Spruneken sent a shot towards the upper part of the goal that Rath deflected over the top of the crossbar. Earning a corner kick, the Marauders played a couple balls into the 18 but couldn't convert as time ran out.
 
Spruenken finished the game with seven shots, including four on frame. Yasmina Dokara (3 shots) and Kendra Park (2) also had multiple shots.
 
Waltman made seven saves for the day. Rath also had seven.
 
The Mavericks finished with a 20-14 edge in shots and an 8-7 advantage in shots on frame. Minnesota State also had 12 corner kicks to one for UMary.
 
After a big win Friday at Concordia-St. Paul to move the Marauders (9-3-3 overall/6-3-3 NSIC) past the Golden Bears in the NSIC standings, UMary remains 5^th in the league with 21 points and three games to play. UMary is one point behind Augustana for the fourth slot in the standings. Eight teams qualify for the NSIC tournament and the top four teams host the opening rounds. Minnesota State is 10-1-4 and 8-0-4.
 
The Marauders next play at home on Friday, October 21, when UMary hosts 2^nd place Bemidji State University for homecoming. Game time is 4 pm.
 
The Marauders have designated Friday's match as the Annette Pierce Kick Cancer Memorial Game. The game is in memory of Annette Pierce, mother of former Marauders defender Cassidy Pierce, who passed away last June. An all-conference player and team captain, Cassidy completed her eligibility last fall.
 
Additionally UMary will honor Shanda (Lester) Simburger. The former soccer great will be inducted into the Marauders Hall of Fame later that night at the University of Mary Alumni Recognition Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony.
 
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