Big Rapids, Mich. --- Sophomore defenseman Casey Nelson had a hand in both goals as #1-rated Minnesota State outlasted Ferris State, 2-1, in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association contest played in Big Rapids, Mich., Friday.

With tonight's victory, Minnesota State ups its 2014-15 record to 17-4-1 overall, 14-2-1 WCHA and the Mavericks are now 12-1-1 in their last 14 games.

The Mavericks owned a 1-0 lead after the first period of play when sophomore forward Jordan Nelson converted on a chance created after a nice pass from junior defenseman Jon Jutzi at 7:53. The goal is the third of the season for Nelson.  It became a 2-0 Maverick advantage at 14:55 of the middle period when Casey Nelson's screen shot from the point found its way past Bulldog netminder C.J. Motte.  The goal by Nelson, who ranks amongst the nation's top-scoring blueliners, is his sixth of the year.  Nelson, who also assisted on Jordan Nelson's game-opening tally, now has 6-14--20 in 22 games this season.

Ferris State made it a one-goal game when Kyle Schempp put the puck past Minnesota State junior Stephon Williams at 7:33 of the third, but the Bulldogs could not find a way to get the equalizer.

Williams, who was credited with 24 saves, boosted his record to 13-2-1 with tonight's decision.  The Mavericks were held to a 0-for-4 performance in power play chances, while the Bulldogs owned a 0-for-2 mark with the mank advantage. Minnesota State outshot Ferris State by a 28-25 margin and the game was played in front of 2,249 fans.

The two teams close out the two-game league series Saturday night with a 7:07 p.m. face-off scheduled for FSU's Ewigleben Ice Arena.

Highlight's from tonight's game courtesy of Ferris State.