The Minot North girls soccer team was mere moments from securing a draw and a point in the standings on the road against defending state champion Mandan until Sarah Helderop scored in the 80th minute to give the Braves a 2-1 victory over the Sentinels on Wednesday, April 22, at Starion Sports Complex.

Helderop weaved her way past three Minot North defenders before firing a shot past goalkeeper Camryn Guy for the game-winning goal. Helderop leads the WDA with 14 goals.

The Mandan senior midfielder netted her first goal of the match in the 23rd minute. A goal kick landed right at the feet of Helderop, and she took advantage of the opportunity, curling a shot just inside the far post from 25 yards out to tie the match.

The Sentinels (6-2-1 overall, 6-2-1 WDA) scored the match’s opening goal in the ninth minute on Morgan Orth’s second goal in as many days. Orth tapped home a loose ball in front of the net off a direct kick from Anistyn Perrin that hit off the crossbar.

The Braves (7-0-1, 7-0-1) held a 14-10 edge in shots on goal.

Guy finished with 12 saves, while Mandan’s Gabby Frohlich made nine saves.

With the win, the Braves take sole possession of first place in the WDA standings with 22 points, three points clear of both Minot North and Minot High.

Minot North travels to play Williston on Thursday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m.