BISMARCK, ND – Coming off a big win against a 2024 NCAA tournament team on Sunday, the University of Mary women's soccer team looked to knock off a second straight tournament participant. Opening Northern Sun play at home, the Marauders played a tightly contested match against #3 Minnesota State University. UMary matched Minnesota State in shots taken but the 2024 NCAA semifinalist Mavericks scored the lone two goals of the game to escape with a 2-0 win over the Marauders.
 
UMary, entering the NSIC opener fresh off a 4-0 road win over a Washburn University team that played in the last two national tournaments, faced a Mavericks team who ended the Marauders 2024 season in the Northern Sun tournament semifinals. Playing to a scoreless draw, Minnesota State advanced to the championship game on penalty kicks.
 
Scoreless through the first 25 minutes, Minnesota State broke onto the scoreboard with a controversial goal in the 26^th minute. Marin Johnson scored a breakaway goal that stood following a video review of possible offsides.
 
The Marauders (2-2-0 overall, 0-1-0 Northern Sun) held a 7-3 edge in shots in the first half but couldn't dent a Mavericks (3-0-1, 1-0-0) defense that has yet to give up a goal this season.  
 
Minnesota State tacked on the lone goal of the second half in the 53^rd minute. Wiktoria Slupianek skied to make a save on a high shot, The ball then ricocheted off the cross bar directly to Courtney Kovacs for the rebound goal and a 2-0 MSU lead.
 
Slupianek, making her collegiate debut, finished with two saves in the game.
 
Dina Polanco and Rio Spruenken both had three shots for UMary.
 
Both teams posted 11 shots and four shots on frame. MSU held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks.
 
The opening NSIC weekend continues for the Marauders when UMary hosts St. Cloud State University on Sunday, September 21. Game time is slated for 1 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
 
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