Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State and North Dakota traded goals in the first two periods, but a third-period marker by UND's Susanna Tapani proved decisive as No. 4/5 UND clipped the Mavericks, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at All Seasons Arena.
 
Halfway through the season, MSU stands 6-12-0 overall and 3-11-0 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, good for a sixth-place tie. UND now owns a 12-4-2 overall ledger and 9-3-2-1 mark in conference play
 
North Dakota freshman Susanna Tapani put UND in front just 1:01 into the contest with an even-strength marker. Tapani took a behind-the-net feed from junior Andrea Dalen and tucked it over the blocker of MSU senior goaltender Danielle Butters (London, Ont.). Butters was on point for the Mavericks totaling 19 saves in the frame.
 
Minnesota State answered back in a hectic second period that saw seven combined penalties between the two teams. The Mavericks converted on their second power-play of the frame when senior Kelsie Scott (Souris, Man.) sniped freshman netminder Lexie Shaw high on the glove side at 8:30. The four-on-three marker was Scott's third of the season and produced a 1-1 deadlock after 40 minutes as seniors Lauren Barnes (Burnsville, Minn.) and Nicole Germaine (Mississauga, Ont.) earned helpers on the goal.
 
Tapani struck again for UND with her second goal of the day at 1:43 of the third period. Senior Michelle Karvinen found the freshman in the slot, before Tapani beat Butters low on the left side in what held up as the contest's decisive goal.
 
Butters was outstanding for the Mavericks recording a game-high 43 saves and helping MSU blank North Dakota on its five power-play opportunities. The Mavericks ended one-of-three on the advantage, while Shaw stopped 21 shots in a winning effort for UND.
 
The Mavericks return to competition on December 31 when they host the Lady Lions of Lindenwood at 2:07 p.m., back inside All Seasons Arena.