MANKATO, Minn. – The No. 24 Bemidji State University Women's Soccer team defeated Augustana University 2-0 in the semifinal round of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Women's Soccer Tournament Friday afternoon to advance to the Beavers' second consecutive championship game. The Beavers (13-2-5) were led by fifth-year seniorÂ
Sara Wendt and graduate studentÂ
Allyson Smith who each scored in the game to send the Beavers to the title game.Â
Bemidji State will now face Minot State University for the program's first ever NSIC Women's Soccer Tournament title after the Beavers earned a 4-3 victory in penalty kicks over top-seeded Minnesota State University, Mankato.
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The Beavers were held scoreless in the first half but broke through in the 62
nd minute when Wendt scored her team leading 10
th goal of the season and was assisted by junior
Lauren Hodny who recorded her third assist in the last five games.
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Just six minutes later, the Beavers extended their lead to two when Smith scored her sixth of the season and was assisted by fifth-year senior
Erin Becker.
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The Beavers' defense was locked tight and held the Vikings to just three shots on goal and 10 overall.
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Bemidji State held the possession in its own offense half from much of the game and out-shot the Vikings 9-3.
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Senior
Alyssa Stumbaugh made all three saves for the Beavers and earned her seventh shutout of the season after returning to field after missing the past four games. She is now 7-2-3 on the season.
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Following the conclusion of the NSIC Women's Soccer Tournament, the Beavers await their fate in the NCAA Women's Soccer Regional Tournament. Currently ranked third in the NCAA Regional Rankings, the Beavers will look to earn a bid in the NCAA Selection Show streamed online Monday, Nov. 7 at 6:00 p.m. CT at NCAA.com.
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For more information on the Bemidji State soccer program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversSoccer), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and follow them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversSoccer)
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Nestled in Northern Minnesota's wooden region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, BSU sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women's hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
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