MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State soccer team triumphed in a rivalry game victory earlier today. The Beavers overcame a halftime deficit to defeat the UMary Marauders 3-1.
 
Both teams struggled through most of the first half with only nine total shots in the first 40 minutes of action.
 
The Marauders eventually struck first with a Yasmina Dokara free kick strike that found its way into the goal. UMary took that 1-0 lead into the halftime break.
 
Once the second half started, though, Minot State turned up the pressure and controlled the pace. Soon after, Melanie Van Walstijn (50') fired a shot into the net after being assisted by Tiffany Schennum.
 
The Beavers continued to attack in the second half as Hannah Mitchell (56') tapped one past the keeper off of a deflection.
 
MSU star Sofia Lewis (83') added to her historic totals and provided the final blow to put the game out of reach. Sarah Upton made the assist on Lewis' score.
 
Minot State keeper Maddie Kindred saved four shots while allowing just the one score. UMary's goalie, Snaedis Danielsdottier, was not quite as sharp with three goals allowed and just two saves.
 
Lewis led the offensive attack for Minot State with six total shots. Van Walstijn made two, and both Mitchell and Sofia Galvez each added one.
 
Both teams were even in the shots category as each side recorded 10 apiece. Hannah Richter led UMary with four attempts followed by Dokara with three. Noelle Vigneri added two of her own and Emma Davis shot once.
 
The Beavers will be back on the pitch on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. when they host the Yellowjackets of Montana State-Billings in the Air-Supported Dome.