Denver, Colo.  --- Minnesota State held a 2-0 lead after two periods of play, but could not hold off fifth-rated Denver in the opening game of the best-of-three Western Collegiate Hockey Association first-round play-off series with the Pioneers scoring four times in the third period to claim a 4-2 victory.

The Mavericks grabbed a 2-0 first-period lead with freshman forward Zach Lehrke one-timing a Chase Grant pass past DU’s Sam Brittain at 10:49 and then senior defenseman Kurt Davis ripping a shot from far out past Brittain for a power play marker at 19:58.

After a scoreless second frame, the Pioneers erupted for four unanswered goals to claim the win.

Kyle Ostrow scored a power play goal at 4:20, Beau Bennett’s goal at 8:00 tied the game and Shawn Ostrow’s first goal of the year gave DU the lead for good at 17:34. He also added an empty-net goal at 19:05 to close out the scoring.

The Mavericks are now 14-17-6 for the season and Denver is 22-10-5. Game two of the best-of-three WCHA first-round series is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. Saturday.

Head coach Troy Jutting comments after game:

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