Mankato, Minn.--- Minnesota State took a break from its WCHA foes as it faced-off with Sacred Heart of the NEWHA (New England Women's Hockey Alliance). The Mavericks demonstrated the fast and physical play of the WCHA as they toppled SHU 4-1.

The Maverick's focus was to outskate their opposition with a dump-and-chase mentality that paid off against a slower Pioneers team. A majority of MSU's chances came down low as they bullied the SHU defensing in the offensive zone.

At the 7:44 mark of the first period, Jamie Nelson cleaned up the rebound from a Brooke Bryant wrap-around to give the Mavericks the early lead. The Mavericks continued to own the puck as they led in the shot department heading into the second period 10-8.

Minnesota State continued to play dominate WCHA hockey throughout the second period resulting in more offensive chances for the Mavericks. Just 4:06 into the second period, Minnesota State's top line displayed fantastic chemistry working a tik-tac-toe play that ended on the stick of Taylor Otremba for her second goal of the year.

In the dying seconds of the second period, Charlotte Akervik introduced the Pioneers to the successful Maverick power-play as she ripped a shot from the point past the SHU goaltender. Akervik's goal is good enough to move ahead of long-time teammate Jessica Kondas (2017-22) on MSU's all-time "points by a defenseman" list at fifth place with 35.

SHU was determined to make a statement to start the third period resulting in an early goal to cut into the Mavericks lead. Lauren Barbro and the MSU defense locked down the defensive zone to help deliver the sixth loss on the season for SHU with a final of 4-1.

The Mavericks are back in action tomorrow to close out the weekend series with the Pioneers at 1:00 p.m.