Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State University kicked off a weekend tilt with the fifth ranked University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Friday at All Seasons Arena and lost, 3-1. 

The Bulldogs opened scoring in the first period UMD senior Laura Fridfinnson scored her eleventh goal of the season (five hole) on an assist from rookie center Katie Wilson.

UMD increased their lead early in the second period when senior center Saara Tuominen beat Maverick goaltender Alli Altmann glove-side for the score. Fridfinnson earned the assist on the goal.

At 12:31 in the third rookie forward Audrey Cournoyer increased the Bulldogs lead to 3-0 putting the puck past Altmann top-shelf, glove-side. The UMD goal was assisted by Tuominen and Fridfinnson.

The Mavericks tallied their first goal for the game late in the third period when junior forward Nina Tikkinen slapped in the one-timer on assists from senior forward Christina Lee and senior center Ashley Young. The goal marked Tikkinen’s second of the year.

Altmann finished the contest with 30 saves. MSU ended the night 0-6 on power play opportunities, while UMD converted 1-7. 

After the loss, MSU dropped to 4-14-5 overall and 2-12-5-3 in WCHA play.

The two teams will conclude the weekend series tomorrow afternoon at All Seasons Arena with the puck dropping at 3:07. 

To view game stats click HERE.

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