BISMARCK, ND – Knowing a win would earn the University of Mary women's soccer team their first Northern Sun title in program history, the Marauders played like champions. From kickoff to the final whistle, UMary competed with an undeniable edge and toppled Highway 83 rival Minot State University 4-1 in the final game of the regular season to earn the Marauders their first-ever NSIC regular season championship.
The Marauders claimed a share of the 2026 NSIC women's soccer championship after finishing the league season with a record of 12-1-2 for 38 points.
Undefeated in their last 13 games, the Marauders are 13-2-3 overall this season.
UMary is co-champions with Minnesota State University, which finished with the same league record as the Marauders. The Mavericks, however, earned the top seed in the upcoming NSIC tournament based on defeating the Marauders 3-0 in the second game of the conference season.
The Marauders are the #2 seed in the 2026 NSIC tournament and will host #7 Bemidji State University on Monday, November 2. Kickoff is 4 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl in Bismarck, ND. UMary defeated the visiting Beavers 2-0 on September 27 in the lone meeting between the two team this year.
Tickets will be available at the gate starting at 3 pm on Monday, one hour before kickoff.
The Marauders-Beavers winner advances to the NSIC semifinals to face the victor between #3 University of Minnesota Duluth and #6 Augustana. #1 Minnesota State hosts #8 St. Cloud State University in the opening round and the winner will face the #4 Northern State University - #5 Concordia-St. Paul winner.
The top remaining seed after the opening round will host the NSIC semifinals on Friday, November 6 and the championship game on Sunday, November 8. The NSIC tournament champion earns an automatic berth in the NCAA Central Region tournament.
Knowing the stakes on the line in today's match, UMary imposed its will immediately. Attacking aggressively from the start, the Marauders were fouled inside the 18 just 72 second into the match to earn a penalty.
Dina Polanco, the leading scorer in the NSIC, delivered once again for the Marauders, firing to the bottom left corner. While Minot State goalkeeper Jayen Alger guessed correctly and nearly stopped the shot, the ball was struck with just enough force to cross the goal line for a quick 1-0 lead.
The goal was the 19
th of the season for Polanco. The Guatemalan national team player is perfect 7-for-7 this season on penalties.
Alex Guinn doubled the Marauders advantage in the 25' on a header off a corner kick from
Ivy Wessel, the defending NSIC Defensive Player of the Week.
Minot State halved its deficit when Else Duquesne delivered a penalty in the final minute of the first half.
UMary put the game away early in the second. Polanco delivered a blast from distance in the 56' for her 20
th goal of the season. In the 62',
Harlee Peltz scored on a header off an assist from
Chloe Brand to seal the Marauders win and UMary's first NSIC title.
The Marauders held the advantage in shots (19-10), shots on frame (9-4) and corners (7-4). UMary also was cited for more fouls (8-6) but Minot State was whistled for two of the three yellow cards assigned in the match.
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