Mankato, Minn. --- Minnesota State women's hockey lost 2-0 to St. Cloud State on Saturday afternoon at Verizon Wireless Center.

"It pretty much came down to the special teams," Minnesota State women's hockey Head Coach John Harrington said after the game. "They (St. Cloud State) had a 4-on-4 goal and a power play goal. We had six chances on the power play, and had some good looks and some good chances, but just could not finish. In the end, that was the difference -- those two goals." 

Minnesota State (2-5-1, 0-5-1-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) had nine shots on six power play opportunities in the game, but was unable to convert with the man advantage. During a 4-on-4 situation in the first period, St. Cloud State (3-4-1, 2-3-1-1 WCHA) took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Alyssa Erickson at 5:31. The Huskies second and final goal was scored by Julia Tylke on the power play at 6:42 in the first.

The Mavericks fought back -- outshooting the Huskies 30-21 in the game -- but were unable to get the puck past Janine Alder (3-1-1), who made 30 saves in goal for St. Cloud State. Freshman forward Sofia Poinar led the Mavericks with four shots on goal.      

Senior goaltender Brianna Quade (1-4-1) made 19 saves in net for Minnesota State. 

Minnesota State continues its home stand next weekend with the first game of a two-game series with No. 1 Wisconsin at Verizon Wireless Center on Friday at 2:07 p.m.