Mankato, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's hockey team falls in its home opener against No. 2 Minnesota 6-0 Friday night at Mankato Civic Center.

The loss drops the Mavericks record to 2-1-0 (0-1-0 WCHA) and the win improves the Gophers record to 3-0-0 (1-0-0 WCHA).  

Minnesota scored two goals in the first period to take the advantage early. Sophomore blueliner Crystalyn Hengler received the puck near the blue line and shot it through traffic past, sophomore netminder Abigail Levy nearly six minutes into the contest. After the Mavericks were called for interference, the Gophers converted on the power-play with junior winger Grace Zumwinkle receiving the puck in the slot and scoring at the 11:13 mark.  

In the second period the Gophers added another goal to take a 3-0 lead. A Maverick skater tipped in a goal into her own net at the 9:56 mark and sophomore forward Taylor Heise was credited for the unassisted goal.
 
Minnesota added three more goals in the third period to make the final score 6-0. Senior winger Alex Woken, Heise and Zumwinkle all scored in the third period. Woken's and Zumwinkle's goals came within 30 seconds of each other between the eight and nine minute mark. Both Heise and Zumwinkle scored two goals in the game.

Levy (1-1-0) made 28 saves and allowed six goals in the loss. Minnesota's senior netminder Sydney Scobee (2-0-0) finished with 16 saves in the shutout win.

The Mavericks, who were outshot by the Gophers 34-16, did not have a power-play opportunity, while Minnesota converted on one of four chances with the man advantage.

The Mavericks will look to split the series with the Gophers tomorrow afternoon at Mankato Civic Center, beginning at 2:07 p.m.

Head coach John Harrington commented following the game.