Winona, Minn. – The Winona State University Warriors and Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs head into a crucial showdown on Friday with the two teams tied for the eighth and final NSIC Tournament spot. Kickoff between the Warriors and Mustangs is set for 6 p.m. at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Following Friday's tilt, the Warriors travel to Sioux Falls to close the weekend on Sunday.
The winner of Friday's SMSU/WSU contest will take the upper hand in the postseason race as both teams' final two opponents are under .500 to close the regular season. The Warriors have historically been one of the most successful programs in the NSIC over the years, as they are looking to qualify for the postseason for the 22nd time in 25 years.
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SCOUTING SMSU: The Mustangs (8-6) are coming into Friday's matchup on a two-game winning streak as they bested the Bulldogs of UMD in double-overtime, 3-2, and the St. Cloud State Huskies, 2-1. The Mustangs (6-6 NSIC) are looking to qualify for their first postseason tournament since they were knocked out of the first round in 2014 by WSU. Senior Alli Miskowiec leads the Mustangs in goals (8) while sophomore Abbey Hoisington leads the team in assists (7). Freshman goalkeeper Amanda Haimes is seventh in the NSIC in saves (72) and has allowed 23 goals this year. As a team, SMSU has scored 23 goals on the year, which puts them in a tie for fifth in the league with Winona State.
SCOUTING SIOUX FALLS: Winona State travels to Sioux Falls on Sunday to close its split weekend. The Cougars (2-12-1) are currently out of the playoff race and are riding a six-game losing streak. Sioux Falls (2-9-1 NSIC) has been outscored 29-10 this season and are looking to end the year on a positive note. The Cougars have spread out their goals almost perfectly even throughout the season, as freshman Grace Held has two goals while eight other Cougars have scored one each. Junior Olivia Valdez leads the team with two assists
HEATING UP: Junior Georgette Topalis has been on fire to close out the regular season, as she has scored in each of her last three games and added an assist against St. Cloud State. Topalis has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, as many of her goals have come within six yards of the net. Topalis recorded her first career goal in 2017 vs. SMSU and is looking to add a few more to her season total after this weekend.
WARRIOR MENTAILITY: Goalkeeper Yanel Ortiz has been a large part of the Warriors' success as she has started and played in all 90 minutes of each game this season. The sophomore has faced a total of 235 shots on the year, and has saved 80 of them, which puts her in a tie for second in the NSIC and places her ninth all-time in WSU single-season history. Ortiz has 15 saves in over last two games, including multiple point-blank saves against the University of Mary to preserve a 2-1 victory and was named the NSIC Goalkeeper of the Week for her efforts.
VETERAN LEADERSHIP: Seniors Courtney Wiencek, Mariah Northrop, Macy Miller, Kendyl Keay, Taylor Johnson, and Alyssa Reynolds have all been vital to the Warriors' success this season. They have all logged key minutes, scored important goals, and made great defensive clearances to preserve wins. This group of seniors has made the postseason in two straight years and would like to close out their careers with a third. Winona State will celebrate Senior Day next week on Friday, November 8.
