Box Score MANKATO, Minn. --- Top-ranked Minnesota used four second-period goals in the final seven minutes of the frame to run away with a 5-0 victory over Minnesota State in Western Collegiate Hockey Association action Sunday afternoon at All Seasons Arena.
 
The Mavericks slip to 9-17-0 overall and 4-16-0 within the conference, while the Golden Gophers improve to 22-1-1 on the year and 16-1-1 in league competition.
 
Minnesota claimed an early one-goal lead just over two minutes into the first period in what would be the lone marker of the frame. Senior Kelly Terry received a pass from senior Bethany Brausen and tucked it into a near empty net from the slot as MSU senior netminder Danielle Butters (London, Ont.) got tied up in traffic trying to slide across the crease.
 
The Golden Gophers padded the cushion in the final 6:02 of the second period tallying four goals in that span. Terry notched her second of the contest by redirecting a slap shot from sophomore Milica McMillen at 13:58. Sophomore Hannah Brandt made it 3-0 when she collected a puck in the UM defensive zone and went coast-to-coast at 15:47, before junior Meghan Lorence scored with a wrist shot high on the glove side just 28 seconds later. Junior Rachael Bona completed the period's scoring on the power-play at 18:47 by deflecting junior Rachel Ramsey's shot from the blue line giving the Golden Gophers a five-goal lead entering the second intermission.
 
That 5-0 margin proved to be the final score as neither team could find the back of the net in the last 20 minutes. Minnesota was denied on a pair of power-play opportunities, and MSU was unable to convert on its only chance on the power-play.
 
For the game, Minnesota State ended zero-of-four on the advantage, and the Golden Gophers converted one-of-eight opportunities. Butters amassed a game-high 45 saves, while sophomore Amanda Leveille totaled 19 to earn the shutout.
 
Minnesota State continues WCHA play next weekend when the Mavericks travel to Columbus, Ohio for two-game set with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Game times are yet to be determined.