Box Score Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State scored twice in the third period but came up one goal short Saturday afternoon as it fell to seventh-rated Mercyhurst 3-2 in non-conference action at All Seasons Arena.
 
Laker sophomore Jenna Dingeldein gave Mercyhurst an early two-goal in the first period. Dingeldein connected on the power-play at the 7:33 mark and followed that up with an even-strength marker to give MU a 2-0 advantage after 20 minutes.
 
Sophomore Maggie Rothgery pushed the lead to three at 15:52 of the second period when she slid a goal past MSU junior Danielle Butters after a scramble in front of the net.
 
Minnesota State mounted a brilliant come back in the third period kick started by junior Kathleen Rogan who buried a one-timer on the power-play at 8:38 for her second goal in as many games. Less than a minute later, senior Nicole Germaine beat Laker junior Amanda Makela to bring the Mavericks within one.
 
MSU had opportunities to tie the contest late in the third period courtesy of two Mercyhurst penalties but proved unsuccessful as the game ended 3-2 in favor of the Lakers. Seniors Lauren Barnes and Kari Lundberg each tallied assists in the defeat, while junior Shelby Moteyunas also earned a helper. Senior Christine Bestland added two assists for MU.
 
Both teams spent plenty of time in the penalty box collecting 18 infractions between the two as both squads finished one-for-seven on the power-play. The Lakers outshot the Mavericks 35-23 on the afternoon. Between the pipes, Butters recorded a game-high 32 saves, and Makela turned in 21 for the Lakers.
 
Minnesota State returns to the ice Monday evening where it will take on British Columbia in an exhibition affair at 6:07 p.m., before tangling with Wisconsin in Madison next weekend.