BURNSVILLE, MN (NorthernSun.org) – Minnesota State University, Mankato was picked to win the NSIC in the preseason coaches’ poll. This marks the 12th time since re-joining the NSIC in 2008 that the Mavericks have been picked to win the league.
Minnesota State received 10 first place votes and tallied 186 points, ranking them seven points ahead of defending NSIC Regular Season Champions St. Cloud State, which tallied 179 points and received four first place votes. The two-time defending NSIC Tournament Champions of Bemidji State came in third with 170 points. The University of Mary was fourth with 151 points and the final first place vote.
Northern State University senior Megan Fastenau was named the preseason offensive player of the year.
The 2024 NSIC Soccer Regular Season Champion will be determined by a 14-match league schedule, with a win earning a team three points and a tie one point.
The 2024 NSIC Soccer season will see its first non-conference action on Thursday, September 5 with NSIC action beginning on Friday, September 20.
The NSIC Tournament is scheduled for Monday, November 11, Friday, November 15 and Sunday, November 17. The top four seeds shall host a first round match, followed by the semifinal and championship rounds at the campus of the highest remaining seed of the four quarterfinal winners.
Fastenau by the #’s:
- Named All-NSIC First Team in 2023
- Earned United Soccer Coaches All-Region Honors in 2023
- Appeared and started in all 18 matches for the Wolves
- Totaled 1271 minutes
- Led the team with seven goals on the season
- Was second in the NSIC with five game-winning goals
- Added three assists and 17 points on the season
- Recorded 32 shots with 18 on target for a .563 shot-on-goal percentage
- Named CSC Academic All-District
“Megan is a player who leads not only our attack, but our entire training and playing environment. She sets the tone with her aggressive mindset at training, in the weightroom, and during matches. Megan has also worked on expanding her game while maintaining a focus on fundamentals. She is always up for the challenge, and will do a great job leading during her senior season.” – Bob Casper