Minneapolis, Minn. --- The University of Minnesota defeated Minnesota State, 5-1 Saturday, sweeping MSU for the second time this season. With the loss, the Mavericks fall to 6-13-3 overall and 5-10-1 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while Minnesota improves to 15-6-0 overall and 10-6-0 in the WCHA.

Minnesota used a couple of even strength tallies to take a 2-0 lead after the first frame. Freshman forward Amanda Kessel tallied the opening goal at the 9:51 mark, and the second was scored by junior center Jen Schoullis at the 14:28 mark.

The Mavericks pulled within one goal 7:35 into the second period when sophomore forward Lauren Smith gained possession of the puck behind the net, found junior forward Moira O’Connor shot the puck off of Gopher blueliner Sam Downey’s skate and past Minnesota netminder Noora Raty for the score.

The Gophers didn’t wait long to jump back out to a two-goal lead. At the 12:09 mark of the second, senior winger Laura May ripped a slapper from the slot that beat Maverick goaltender Ali Altmann stick side. May added another at the 16:01 mark, putting Minnesota up, 4-1.

Minnesota was able to net one more in the third at the 18:00 mark, scored by freshman winger Kelly Terry.

Minnesota outshot the Mavericks, 33-27, while both teams finished scoreless on the power play.

Altmann finished with 28 saves, while Raty stopped 26 shots.

The Mavericks will return to All Seasons Arena next weekend, January 14-15, to play host to Ohio State. Friday’s contest is slated to start at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday’s at 3:07 p.m.

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