MINOT, N.D.- The Beavers soccer team (10-5-2, 9-3-2 NSIC) heads into the last weekend of the regular season looking at a decisive game against in-state rival the Mary Marauders (9-5-3, 8-4-2 NSIC). The Beavers and Marauders kick off the Battle of Big Lake weekend with soccer kicking off Friday evening at 5 p.m. at the Herb. This match will determine who receives the fourth seed in the NSIC playoffs, as MSU needs a win or tie to clinch the home first round game. 
 
Last Time Out: The Beavers finally got back in the win column after a couple long weekends. MSU gave it their all in a 5-0 win over the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles. Sophomore Sarah Upton scored her first two career goals. Anabel Noches, Lainey Sandberg, and Sofia Lewis all tallied a goal to put the Eagles away. Maddie Kindred made four saves off five Crookston shots. To conclude the weekend the Beavers fell in the "Battle of the Beavers," to Bemidji State who was ranked 6^th at the time 2-0. MSU pressured BSU more than they have typically prior this season, but a couple really good and close looks were stopped by phenomenal BSU goalkeeper Alyssa Stumbaugh. However, Kindred put up quite the performance despite allowing two goals, made ten saves in net off of 16 BSU shots. 
 
Top Performer: Sarah Upton scored her not only first but second career goals. Pairing that with her defensive performance not only this weekend, but the whole season, she deserves some credit. Upton has been referred to as "the enforcer" on the team by head coach Chris Clements, and rightfully so. She has been a bothersome defensive player for opposing teams and isn't afraid to get physical. 
 
Facing the Marauders: The Beavers and Marauders have had some great matches over their history being rivals and all. MSU currently holds the slight edge of UMary 6-5-3 overall. The last matchup this last spring resulted in a 3-1 win for the Beavers in a come-from-behind victory as MSU scored all three goals in the second half after getting down 1-0 at halftime. 
 
Scouting UMary: Mary and MSU have had very similar seasons, which should provide a battle when it comes to the match. UMary has secured 25 goals on the season, while only giving up 16. The Marauders have had a heavy balance in scoring so far this season with six players scoring two or more goals, while their leading scorer Kendra Park has five goals on the season. Senior Hannah Richter leads all Marauders with 35 shots and 24 of them reaching the net. The Marauders have been backstopped by junior Madisyn Waltman who has started all but one match this season. She has 13 goals allowed with 58 saves and eight shutouts on the season. 
 
Looking Ahead: The Beavers will play the wait and see game on where they land in the NSIC standings to determining their place in the playoffs. The Beavers will for sure play again following Friday's match in the first round of the NSIC playoffs. The top four seeds will host Wednesday Nov.10^th, with the highest remaining seed hosting the semifinals and championship Friday Nov. 12^th and Sunday Nov. 14^th.