MENA, Arkansas -- Northern shut out Rich Mountain College 4-0 for their sixth shutout in ten games improving the Mavs' record to 7-2-1, 5-1-1 in conference play.

Rich Mountain came out in a bunkering defense with at times all ten field players behind the ball looking to keep the game close and frustrate the Mavericks.  Their strategy of keeping the game close worked until the Mavs broke the game open with two goals late in the first half.  Mavericks leading scorer, Luana San Miguel, opened the scoring for the Mavericks with a goal off an assist from Heidi Wiedmeier.  Less than a minute later the Mavs effectively put the game away when Josie Jarvis' cross into the box was headed in by a Rich Mountain defender giving the Mavs a seemingly insurmountable 2-0 lead.  

Northern played much better in the second half keeping possession of the ball and moving it much quicker.  Chloe Wilkins put the Mavericks up 3-0 when she rebounded her own shot off the post and blasted a shot into the far corner of the goal.  Karolina Arriaga would score Northern's last goal off an assist by Jazmine Furra, who is second in the nation in assists.  The Mavericks only allowed Rich Mountain four shots with none on goal.  Maverick defenders; Lexi Albright, Cierra Gann, Josie Jarvis, Hailey Stage, Heidi Wiedmeier, Cayla Hoch, and Jayden Dobbs completely dominated any attacks the Bucks could muster.

"We have faced a bunkering defense in almost every game we have played," said coach Michael DuRoy.  "Today was no different, but they did some interesting things with how they tried to defend us.  We made a few adjustments, and the game really opened up for us.  I honestly don't think it was our best game today.  We played quite a bit of the game the way we have been practicing lately, which was slow and uninspired.  We have to realize that for us to accomplish our goals we need to practice and play up to a championship standard.  It's not easy to do.  That's why only one team will be the conference champion, region champion, and national champion."