MANKATO, Minn. --- The top-rated Minnesota State football team had thinks clicking on both sides of the football Saturday afternoon as it posted its first shutout of the season with a 48-0 win over the University of Mary at Blakeslee Stadium.

With the win, MSU improves to 3-0 on the season, while U-Mary falls to 0-3. This is MSU's first shutout since week 10 of the 2014 season when it defeated Wayne State 49-0.

The Mavericks defense, which has not allowed opponents into the scoring column in the second half this season, held the Marauders to 215 yards of total offense. The Mavericks also came away with a pair of turnovers, including an interception by senior Patrick Schmidt, who returned it 22 yards for a touchdown. Sophomore William Hannemann also came away with a fumble recovery.

Senior Tyler Henderson led the MSU defense with eight tackles, including five solo tackles. MSU also saw a pair of players in junior Alec Vesper and sophomore Evan Perrizo record a sack.

While the Maverick defense kept the Marauders at bay, the MSU offense put up a season-high 48 points behind several solid performances.

Junior Ricky Lloyd connected with sophomore Ty Dennis on a 66-yard touchdown pass to give the Mavericks an early 7-0 lead. Dennis would go on to finish with a team-leading 109 receiving yards, marking the first time he has eclipsed the 100-receiving yard plateau.

Senior Alden Haffar would log MSU's next two scores as he connected on a pair of field goals from 29 and 36 yards out to put the Mavericks up 13-0.

MSU would add one final touchdown in the second quarter as sophomore Nick Pieruccini hooked up with junior Jameer Jackson on a 38-yard touchdown pass to put MSU up 20-0 heading into halftime. Jackson would finish the game with five catches for 82 receiving yards.

The second half saw MSU notch four more touchdowns, of which two came on a pair of touchdown carries from senior Chad Zastrow. Zastrow finished the game with 72 rushing yards, while senior Connor Thomas led the Maverick rushing attack with 73 rushing yards. Pieruccini also notched a two-yard touchdown run of his own.

Pieruccini led the Mavericks in passing with 165 yards, with Lloyd following with 137 passing yards.

Adam Woroniecki led the Marauder rushing attack with 71 rushing yards, while Caleb Buck completed 21-of-34 passes for 135 yards.

MSU begins a two-game road trip on Saturday, Sept. 26, as it takes on Minnesota Crookston. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
 
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