Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Minot State freshman midfielder Kelsey Pena dribbles the ball upfield during Friday night's game against Sioux Falls in at Herb Parker Stadium in Minot. The Beavers defeated the Cougars 3-1.

The Minot State women’s soccer team (2-9-0, 2-6-0 NSIC) couldn’t find the net in the first half against Sioux Falls (2-9-1, 2-6-1 NSIC) on Friday evening. Several missed opportunities and Olivia Valdez goal put Minot State in a 1-0 hole early in the second half.

It didn’t take long for the Beavers to bounce right back in their breast cancer awareness game. Junior forward Melanie van Walstjin scored an unassisted goal in the 51st minute, and junior midfielder Sofia Lewis buried a pair of unassisted goals in the 66th and 74th minutes.

The Beavers held a 14-11 shot advantage. The Cougars claimed a 6-4 lead in shots on target.

MSU redshirt senior goalkeeper Erin Rafferty notched five saves, while USF goalkeeper Alexis Wemhoff made just one.

Minot State will host Southwest Minnesota State at noon on Sunday. MSU seniors will be recognized prior to the game.

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