Box Score Bemidji, Minn.— Minnesota State (7-14-0 overall, 3-12-0 WCHA) earned its first comeback win of the season as it skated past Bemidji State (12-8-1 overall, 6-8-1 WCHA) 2-1 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. MSU used the third period heroics of sophomore forward Lauren Zrustand junior forward Lauren Barnes to earn its third Western Collegiate Hockey Association victory.
 
The Beavers jumped on the board first as forward Kristin Huber scored on a wrap-around through the five-hole of MSU goalie Alli Altmann at the 17:44 mark of the first period. Whitney Wivoda and Kimberly Lieder were credited with the assists on the goal as BSU outshot the Mavericks 16-9 in the period.
 
After the Mavericks killed two Beaver power-plays, Bemidji State received two penalties 29 seconds apart, giving the Minnesota State a five-on-three opportunity that it was unable to convert on. Even though the Mavericks outshot the Beavers 10-9 in the second, BSU was still outshooting MSU 27-19 in the game and had and a 1-0 lead heading into the final 20 minutes of play.
 
All it took was 20 seconds for MSU to gain its first lead of the game when Minnesota State’s Lauren Barnes banged her third goal of the season home off a rebound from a Jackie Otto blast from the point at 8:10 into the third period.
 
Moments later,Lauren Zrust took advantage of a BSU puck mishandle to force a breakaway and eventually beat BSU goaltender Zuzana Tomcikova stickside to take the lead at the 8:30 mark off the third period. Jackie Otto and Lauren Barnes were credited with the assists.
 
MSU senior goalie Alli Altmann played a flawless second and third period as she turned away 21 shots in the final 40 minutes. In the game, BSU outshot MSU 37-35.
 
Minnesota State and Bemidji State meet for game two of the weekend Saturday at 7:07 p.m. at the Sanford Center.