SAN ANTONIO — Midwestern State (12-3-3, 8-2-0) secured a 2-1 victory over St. Mary's (TX) (3-8-6, 2-7-1) with two second-half goals at Sigma Beta Chi Field. The win marked a significant milestone for the Mustangs, as they clinched their seventh Lone Star Conference Regular Season Championship, the third under head coach Michael Meachum. This is the third time in five seasons that Midwestern State has captured the title, contributing to the program's impressive tally of 15 regular season conference championships since 1999.

The first period began with the Mustangs facing an early challenge as the Rattlers struck first with a goal by Shea Scally in the 5th minute, assisted by Andrick Ferrer. MSU responded with offensive efforts, including a shot on target by Liam Pritchard that was saved by the St. Mary's goalkeeper, Johnny Thurbin, at the 6th minute mark. Jake Morris, in goal for the Maroon & Gold, contributed with a crucial save against a shot by Ferrer late in the half.

Despite several attempts, including a shot hitting the woodwork by Jarrod McKechnie, MSU was unable to find the back of the net. The first half concluded with the Mustangs trailing 1-0, looking to capitalize on their offensive opportunities in the upcoming half.

MSU started the second half with a surge, equalizing the score swiftly at 1-1 when Italo Rodriguez found the net in the 54th minute, assisted by Parker Plaxco. This early goal set the tone for the visitors' persistent offensive efforts throughout the half.

Continuing to apply pressure, MSU took the lead in the 70th minute as Plaxco scored, with an assist from Ethan Krchnak, pushing the score to 2-1. The defense, bolstered by goalkeeper Morris's saves, maintained the advantage until the end of regulation, securing a 2-1 victory over the Rattlers.

Midwestern State hosts an LSC semifinal match at 5 p.m. on Nov. 12, and the Mustangs will play the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal match between No. 4-seed Dallas Baptist and No. 5-seed UT Tyler. 

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