WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University got on the board early and never looked back Sunday afternoon as the Warriors completed a homestand sweep with a 3-0 shutout over Minot State University. Thee different Warriors netted goals and keeper Yanel Ortiz blanked the opposition for the fourth time this season.
The weekend sweep keeps Winona State tied for the eighth and final playoff spot with Southwest Minnesota State and sets up a crucial showdown between the teams next Friday.
The Warriors improve to 7-8 (6-6 NSIC) with the victory while sending Minot State to a record of 3-11 (3-8 NSIC).
Six minutes into Sunday's matinee, Courtney Wiencek was fouled in the box to set up a Missy Greco penalty kick. Greco buried the shot past the Beaver goalkeeper to give the Warriors an early 1-0 lead which stood as the game-winner.
In the 21st minute of play, Minot State's Sofia Lewis managed her way past the Warrior defense and uncorked an open shot from eight yards out, but was denied by Ortiz as Winona State's sophomore keeper kept momentum on the side of the home team.
Later in the first half, freshman Jaida Wiege buried an unassisted shot into the back of the net to double up the Warriors' lead heading into the break, 2-0.
Winona State put the game away for good early in the second half, as senior Mariah Northrop hit a rocket of a shot off the crossbar following a free kick that bounced right to the waiting foot of Georgette Topalis for a 3-0 advantage. The junior has scored in three straight games and leads the team with seven goals this year.
Minot State peppered the Warriors with 23 total shots, but many were from outside the box as the staunch Warrior defense was solid all day. Ortiz corralled all eight shots on goal in another stellar performance.
Wiege led the way in shots (4) as well as shots on goal (2). Wiege's goal was her third of the season and Grecor's her second.
There were four yellow cards in the match, with two going to the Warriors. Senior Alyssa Reynolds earned a yellow in the 85th minute of play while sophomore Ella Roberts was tagged with hers in the final 10 seconds of the match. Winona State was also called for 13 fouls, compared to just four by the Beavers in a physical match.
The Warriors and Mustangs of SMSU will collide in Winona on Friday, November 1 with the winner poised to reach the conference tournament as the regular season has just three games remaining. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
