Box Score MADISON, Wis. --- Minnesota State slipped into a one-goal deficit early and was unable to climb out of the hole as it ultimately fell to No. 2 Wisconsin, 4-0, in game one of a best-of-three Western Collegiate Hockey Association playoff series Friday night at LaBahn Arena.
 
The loss drops the Mavericks to 12-22-1 overall, while the Badgers improve to 26-5-2 in addition to claiming a one-game lead in the series.
 
The first period saw both teams earn an opportunity on the power-play and Wisconsin cashed in on its chance to jump in front, 1-0, entering the first intermission. At 1:33 of the frame, junior Brittany Ammerman fed a centering pass to freshman Sarah Nurse who buried a goal into the right side beyond the extended pad of MSU senior netminder Danielle Butters (London, Ont.).
 
Minnesota State showed great jump throughout the second period outshooting the Badgers for most of the frame. However, UW senior goaltender Alex Rigsby stood tall denying all 12 MSU chances in the period. Butters was equally strong for the Mavericks until a defensive zone breakdown offered a prime chance that senior Madison Packer snapped into the top right corner at 14:59 giving the Badgers a two-goal cushion after 40 minutes of action.
 
Period number three was controlled by the Badgers who added two additional goals to walk away with a 4-0 victory. Freshman Sydney McKibbon tucked a rebound into the lower left side at 2:52, before junior Katy Josephs wristed a shot under the crossbar at 9:46 solidifying the Wisconsin win.
 
Butters amassed a game-high 39 saves for the Mavericks who were denied on a pair of power-play opportunities, while Wisconsin finished one-of-three on the advantage as Rigsby totaled 25 saves for the Badgers.
 
The two teams will resume the series once again tomorrow night with the Purple and Gold looking to keep its season alive. Game time is slated for 7:07 p.m.