Mankato, Minn.  ---  Paced by a four-point game from junior winger Jamie Nelson, Minnesota State tallied four unanswered goals over the course of the last two periods in picking up a 5-1 nonconference win over Sacred Heart Saturday at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in downtown Mankato.
 
The game stood tied 1-1 at the end of the first 20 minutes of action.  The Mavericks struck first on a goal from Jamie Nelson at 12:34 before the Pioneers responded less than a minute later on a goal from Cassandra Nevers at 1:29.
 
Taylor Otremba picked up her third goal of the season at 1:45 of the second period when she converted on a rebound chance in putting the Mavericks up 2-1. Alexis Paddington cashed in with a power play marker at 15:19, picking up the puck after Kennedy Bobyk's shot on goal. Claire Butorac got her second goal of the season on a backhander at 17:04 after she found a loose puck by the side of the crease and at the end of two periods of play, Minnesota State led 4-1.
 
Nelson got her second goal of the game and third of the season - roofing a backhander past Sacred Heart netminder Carly Greene at 7:35 of the closing period.  The goal completed a four-point effort by Nelson, who finished with two goals and two assists in the win.
 
The Mavericks owned a 44-17 advantage in shots on goal in the contest. Junior Lauren Barbro stopped 16 shots in upping her record to 3-5-0 on the season.
 
The Mavericks, now 5-7-0 overall, face UW-Eau Claire in a home exhibition game Nov. 14 before a league home-and-home series Nov. 19-20 with St. Thomas.

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