MANKATO, Minn. – The Winona State soccer team saw its NCAA Tournament run come to an end Sunday afternoon, falling to No. 1 Minnesota State 2-0 in cold Mankato.
The Warriors, who were squaring off against the nation's number one team for the third time in two weeks, were unable to break through and score a goal against the Mavericks, who have allowed just five on the season.
The WSU defense was strong in the first half of play holding the Mavericks without a shot on goal until Rachel Oleson made a save with just a minute before halftime. The offense, meanwhile, had a late half charge as Alaina Kne pushed a shot wide, then Nicole Sames posted a shot on goal before Hannah burt also took a shot that went high before halftime as the two foes went into the locker room scoreless.
Minnesota State finally broke through in the 59th minute, when Sydney Temple scored her second goal of the season off a corner kick from Emily Moris to put MSU up 1-0.
Kati Baker had a chance in the 66th minute, but MSU keeper Molly McGough made the save. The Mavericks in the 82nd minute added the insurance goal they were looking for when Jessica Bowe found the back of the net from the left side to make it 2-0 and end the Warriors' season.
WSU (15-6-2) managed just two shots on goal in the game while posting seven shots total while playing in the NCAA Tournament's second round for the second straight year. The Mavericks, meanwhile, took 18 shots in the game while five were on goal.
