The 2026 NSIC Tournament wrapped up on Sunday afternoon in Mankato with another NSIC title for Minnesota State. A single goal for the Mavericks took down the visiting Beavers and ended their Cinderella run in the playoffs. Monday evening was more heartbreak for Bemidji State as the Beavers missed the cut for the Division II tournament, even as the NSIC earned three bids.
NSIC Championship Final
#2 Minnesota State 1 – 0 Bemidji State
Coming into the NSIC Final the Mavericks were heavily favoured to take the title and playing on their home pitch gave them a huge advantage. No one could count out Bemidji State, who opened the tournament defeating the second seeded Mary Marauders in the opening round. The Beavers took down Minnesota-Duluth in the semi-finals to make the final. After a rough regular season the Beavers had to win to guarantee a spot in the NCAA Central Region tournament.
Nearly 500 fans packed into The Pitch at the Maverick Soccer Complex to watch a tight match between the Beavers and Mavericks. Bemidji State had more shots during the first half, but couldn't get one past MSU keeper Lauren McAlpine. The second half was a completely different affair with Minnesota State taking complete control of the match. Beaver goalkeeper Payton Kropp did everything but stand on her head, getting six saves on the night. But a late goal from MSU's Ruthie Gyasi, only her fourth of the season, proved to be the only goal of the afternoon and sent the Mavericks into the Central Region tournament.
Who's in the NCAA Central Region Tournament
#2 Minnesota State Mavericks (NSIC automatic bid)
For the 15th consecutive season Minnesota State are into the NCAA Central Region tournament. Thirteen of those have been under head coach Brian Bahl, who also brought the Mavericks to the NCAA Division II Championship match in 2024. MSU fell 2–1 to Cal Poly Pomona in that championship match. The Mavericks once again host their pod of the Central Region tournament and will face the Missouri Western Griffons at 2pm on Friday.
Northern State (SD) Wolves (at-large bid)
For the first time in program history the Wolves are headed to the NCAA Central Region tournament. Not only did NSU make their first tournament, but this is the Wolves first 10 or more win season under head coach Bob Casper. The Wolves made the tournament with an at-large bid after falling to Minnesota State on penalties in the NSIC Semi-Finals. Northern State will face Pittsburg State (KS) in Mankato, MN on Friday at 11am .
Mary Marauders (at-large bid)
Making their first appearance since 2o07, the Marauders making the field is a bit of a surprise. But under the NCAA Division II NPI system, the Marauders squeaked into the Central Region tournament. Mary will be looking to make up for their loss in the first round of the conference tournament, with a deep NCAA tournament run. Mary opens the tournament against Central Missouri on Friday at 1pm in Topeka, KS. That pod is hosted by Central Region top seed Washburn University, who themselves face Southwestern Oklahoma in the first round.
