MINOT, N.D. – Minnesota State University proved to be the No. 2 team in the country Saturday afternoon as they defeated Minot State University 3-1 at Herb Parker Stadium.

The Mavericks jumped out to a 1-0 lead after holding possession in the Beavers' end early on in the first half. Emily Morris hit a powerful shot from the top of the 18 that was just out of the reach of Beavers' goalkeeper Celene Johnson (Jr., Rocklin, Calif.) in the 25th minute of play.

Minot State didn't back down though. The Beavers earned a free kick from 40 yards out on the right side of the field that led to a goal, tying the match up at 1-1. Jamie MacFarlane (Sr., F, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) settled the flighted ball played in by Emilie Rebelo (Jr., D, Sacramento, Calif.), and served the ball across the penalty area to Kristin Long (Jr., M, Mesa, Ariz.). Long placed the ball past a diving Minnesota State goalkeeper with one touch and sent the Beavers to halftime all-square.

The Beavers started the first 25 minutes of the second half with a strong defensive effort, but the Mavericks broke the tie in the 73rd minute when Rebecca Pederson slotted a ball low into the side netting making the score 2-1.

The Mavericks tacked on an insurance goal after chaos in the box resulted in an own goal for Minot State in the 78th minute.

Minot State recorded one shot on goal in the match while Minnesota State placed 10 shots on frame. Johnson was credited with six saves.

The Beavers are back at it tomorrow when they take on the visitors from Concordia-St. Paul at 1 p.m. According to head coach Jason Spain, the goal for tomorrow is simple.

"We've got to get three points tomorrow," he said. "It's do or die. That's the whole season. We're in a playoff mode now and that's where we're at."