Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State held a 2-1 lead heading into the third period Friday night, but the Buckeyes tallied two late goals to down MSU, 3-2.

Freshman forward Tracy McCann put the Mavericks up 1-0 11:26 into the first period. Junior Moria O’Connor ripped a slapper on net allowing McCann to clean up the rebound and put MSU on the board. Sophomore forward Lauren Smith also assisted on the goal.

Ohio State knotted things up at the 16:05 mark of the first when the Buckeyes forced a turnover in the neutral zone and a cross ice pass from junior Melissa Feste to junior Natalie Spooner set Spooner up for the goal.

After Ohio State committed the first penalty of the game, the Mavericks took advantage as their power play unit found the back of the net when Smith deflected a shot from junior Emmi Leinonen putting MSU up, 2-1. Freshman forward Kathleen Rogan also assisted on the goal.

The Mavericks held on to their 2-1 lead until a turnover in MSU’s zone allowed junior center Laura McIntoch to tally an unassisted game-tying goal at the 15:28 mark of the third.

The Mavericks again turned the puck over, this time in the neutral zone allowing Spooner to skate in for the unassisted game-winner at 18:48 mark of the third.

The Mavericks finished with 30 shots to the Buckeyes 26. MSU finished the contest 1-for-2 with an extra skater, while Ohio State went 0-for-2.

Ohio State netminder Lisa Steffes finished with a game-high 28 saves and MSU goaltender Danielle Butters finished with 23.

The Mavericks (6-14-3, 5-11-1-0 WCHA) and Buckeye (11-10-2, 5-10-2-2 WCHA) will meet again tomorrow at 3:07 p.m. at All Seasons Arena.

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