SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The University of Sioux Falls women's soccer team (4-3, 2-2 NSIC) returns to Bob Young Field this weekend with momentum on its side after back-to-back shutout wins. The Cougars defeated Minnesota Crookston 4-0 on Friday and MSU Moorhead 5-0 on Saturday.

Now the challenge ramps up as the Cougars welcome two of the top teams in the league. Sioux Falls will face St. Cloud State (5-0-2, 3-0-1 NSIC) on Friday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. before hosting No. 2 Minnesota State (6-0-1, 4-0 NSIC) on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. Both matches are part of Cougar Days festivities and the program's alumni weekend.

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Cougar Notes

• USF has outscored opponents 9-0 in its last two matches.

• Sophomore forward Addison Van Zee scored the first hat trick in USF's Division II history against Minnesota Crookston, also setting a single-game record with six points. She now has five goals on the season, tying Lauren LaFavre for the most in a single year during the program's D2 era.

• Sadie Hunter scored three goals on the weekend, including a brace against MSU Moorhead.

• Mariah Siem finished off a corner kick with a header through the net, giving her two goals on the season.

• Goalkeeper Morgan Jost recorded the first of two clean sheets last weekend, with Delani Daubman taking the shutout win in game two against MSU Moorhead.

• USF currently sits tied for third in the NSIC in goals scored (13) on 6.29 Shots on Goal per game.

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Scouting St. Cloud State (5-0-2, 3-0-1 NSIC)

The Huskies enter the weekend unbeaten and have allowed only three goals across seven matches. Their defensive organization has been a strength, led by goalkeeper Jaylee Strickland, who owns a .893 save percentage with four shutouts.

Offensively, St. Cloud is balanced with Lindsey Trapino (3 goals, 1 assist), Ellie Primerano (3 goals, 1 assist), and Grace Olson (2 goals, 3 assists) leading the way. The Huskies are averaging 15.6 shots per match and rank third in the NSIC in goals scored (13).

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Scouting #2 Minnesota State (6-0-1, 4-0 NSIC)

Minnesota State has been dominant on both ends of the field, entering the weekend as the only team in the nation yet to concede a goal. The Mavericks have outscored opponents 15-0 through their first seven contests, with goalkeeper Lauren McAlpine recording seven straight shutouts.

The attack is led by Marin Johnson (3 goals, 2 assists) and Meghan Sullivan (2 goals, 1 assist). Minnesota State also applies heavy pressure, averaging 16.4 shots per game and second in the NSIC in corner kicks (48).

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Coach's Corner

"What an amazing weekend to be hosting matches against two of the top teams in the conference," said head coach Joe DeMay. "There's such excitement around Cougar Days and we are hosting a long overdue alumni weekend on top of it.

This is a great opportunity for us to find out about ourselves by testing ourselves against teams that have been traditional powerhouses in the conference and have multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. We turned in two strong performances last weekend, but we know the ante will be upped against St. Cloud and Mankato. We are going to have to push our performance levels and mentality to new levels if we are going to give ourselves a chance at success in these matches. There's a strong belief in the team to do that, but we are also very aware belief needs to be backed by action and that's our goal this weekend to make our fans and alumni proud to be a Cougar."

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How to Watch/Follow

• Live Video: NSIC Network

• Live Stats: Sidearm Stats

• Location: Bob Young Field – Sioux Falls, S.D.

• Friday, Oct. 3: USF vs St. Cloud State | 4 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 5: USF vs Minnesota State | 1 p.m.

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