VERMILLION, S.D. - The Minnesota State Mavericks retained control of first place in the North Central Conference with a 4-1 decision over The University of South Dakota women's soccer team at the USD Soccer Field on Saturday. With the win, MSU improves to 8-2 overall and 3-0 in the NCC. The Coyotes dropped to 6-4-2 overall and 3-2 in league play.

MSU's victory stopped a two-match winning streak by USD, which had shutout its previous two NCC opponents.

The Mavericks and Coyotes were locked in a defensive struggle until late in the first half when MSU's Leslie Peterson scored the first of her two unassisted goals at the 33:32 mark. About five minutes later (38:52), Peterson again scored on a rebound shot to provide MSU with a 2-0 lead which they took into the halftime break.

USD got on the scoreboard early in the second half when senior Carla Neppl (Omaha, Neb.) scored off an assist from senior Angela O'Loughlin (Broomfield, Colo.) to cut MSU's lead to 2-1 at the 53:01 mark. MSU quickly regained control of the match as Gina Paletta scored at the 55:36 mark. Then, MSU's Keri Blanchette finished off the scoring with a goal at 72:53 off an assist from Peterson.

MSU held a 19-8 advantage in shots, including an 11-2 margin in the first half. USD had a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks. USD goal keeper Ann Opsahl (Yankton, S.D.) allowed four goals while recording six saves in 90 minutes of work. Nicole Johannson allowed one goal and had a save in her work at goal keeper for MSU.

The South Dakota soccer team will be back in action on Sunday when the Coyotes host St. Cloud State at 1 p.m. at the USD Soccer Field.