\      Grand Forks, N.D.  ---  Minnesota State scored first, but three consecutive first-period goals proved to be too much as 14^th-rated North Dakota skated to a 4-2 win over the visiting Mavericks Friday.

Freshman forward Matt Leitner stole the puck along the boards and after finding Eriah Hayes in the slot with a nice backhand pass, tucked a rebound past Aaron Dell to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead at 1:37 of the opening frame.  A trio of goals from UND – Danny Kristo at 3:53, Michael Parks at 7:44 and Stephane Pattyn at 15:04, made it 3-1 in favor of the hosts at the end of the period.

The teams battled through a scoreless middle frame and then freshman defenseman Josh Nelson fired a shot from the point that found the back of the net at 12:03 to pull the Mavericks within one.  The goal is Nelson’s first career goal.

UND got an insurance marker at 15:46 when Kristo netted his second of the net in making the final 4-2 in favor of the Sioux.
The Mavericks, who were held scoreless in two power play chances, held a 27-24 advantage in shots on goal in the game.  North Dakota was zero-for-three in its opportunities with the man advantage.

Now 12-21-1 overall and 8-17-1 WCHA on the year, the Mavericks close out the 2011-12 regular season Saturday with a 7:07 p.m. (AST) face-off with the Sioux  scheduled for Engelstad Arena.

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