MANKATO, Minn. – The Winona State soccer team couldn't find the back of the net Sunday afternoon against the nation's top-ranked team, falling 2-0 to rival Minnesota State in Mankato.
The Warriors couldn't get their offense going in the opening period, managing just four shots compared to 12 from the Mavericks. WSU was more aggressive in the final 45 minutes, attempting nine shots while MSU managed six.
The Mavericks got on the scoreboard first in the 32nd minute when Emily Moris scored her sixth of the season to open up a 1-0 lead. Minnesota State took that lead into the break and added to their lead in the 68th minute with a goal from Kiana Nickel – her ninth of the year – to make it 2-0.
Taylor Zehren led the WSU attack with five shots while accounting for half of the Warriors' shots on goal.
Alaina Kne,
Nicole Sames and
Holly Berling each put their lone shot on goal as well.
Winona State (13-4-1) will officially learn its NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament opponent later Sunday with its first round matchup scheduled for Wednesday.