MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. --- Minnesota State fell behind 2-0 after one period play and were unable to recover as the second-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Mavericks 7-3 at Ridder Arena in Minneapolis Friday night.

Minnesota State's record falls to 2-18-1 overall and 0-14-1 in Western Collegiate Hockey Association play while Minnesota improves to 20-1-3 and 13-1-3 in the WCHA.

The Gophers took a one goal lead at 7:18 of the first period as Maryanne Menefee took a shot from just inside the left circle that beat junior netminder Erin Krichiver blocker side. Minnesota's Meghan Lorence added to the lead at the nine minute mark, scoring off a rebound in front, to give the Gopher's a 2-0 lead after one period of play.

In the second period Minnesota scored on the power play just 17 seconds in to take a 3-0 lead, but the Mavericks responded with a goal of their own. Freshman Nicole Schammel was able to find senior Kathleen Rogan who ripped a shot into the upper right corner for her third goal of the season at 2:22 of the middle frame. Redshirt freshman Sara Bustad was also able to tally her first goal of the season after firing a shot towards the net that deflected off the skate of a Gopher defender but not before Minnesota had added another two goals. After the second period the Gophers had a 5-2 lead and led 41-9 in shots on goal lead.

In the final period of play senior Casey Hirsch netted her second goal of the season with freshman Elin Johansson getting credited with her second assists of the year but the Gophers added two goals of their own to win by a final score of 7-3.

Krichiver made 54 saves on the night but her record drops to 1-14-1 on the season. The Gophers outshot the Mavericks 61-19 and went 1-3 on the power play while MSU went 0-3

Minnesota State and #2 Minnesota will take to the ice again tomorrow afternoon in Mankato at All Seasons Arena. The opening faceoff is scheduled for 4:07 p.m.