MANKATO, Minn.--- Minnesota State (3-10-0, 1-9-0) will head to Nashville, Tenn. for the 2023 Smashville Classic featuring Boston University, Minnesota State University, and Robert Morris University.

Minnesota State will face Robert Morris University on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Boston University at noon on Sunday. The Smashville Classic at Ford Ice Center is a tournament dedicated to showcasing women's hockey, allowing aspiring hockey players to watch and learn from some of the best hockey players in the world.

Last Time Out:
Minnesota State split its series against Bemidji State with both games ending in overtime. On Friday, Senior Jamie Nelson scored a pair of third-period goals for the Mavericks but BSU's Taylor Nelson scored on the power play 14 seconds into overtime to lift Bemidji State to a 3-2 win over Minnesota State. Bemidji State finished the contest with a narrow edge in shots on goal 27-26.

On Saturday, Minnesota State broke a ten-game winless streak with their first WCHA victory of the season downing the Beavers by a final of 3-2 in overtime.

Sophomore Whitney Tuttle and senior Sydney Langseth combined for four points on the evening keeping the Mavericks within striking distance against the Beavers Saturday night. Senior Jamie Nelson collected her third game-winning-goal on the season lifting the Mavericks over the Beavers by a 3-2 final at the Sanford Center.

Senior Lauren Barbro notched her second win on the season stopping 22 of 24 shots faced. The Mavericks led the game in shots on goal 36-24.

Taking on Robert Morris University:  
Robert Morris University (7-7-0, 4-2-0 CHA) is second in the College Hockey America Standings behind (RV) Penn State.

Headlining the Colonials' offense are freshman Alaina Giampietro, freshman Janelle Evans, and sophomore Morgan Giannone who combine for 35 points making up 35 percent of the team's total points. Giampietro is tied for 31st in the nation for goals scored per game at 50 percent and she leads her team in goals with seven.  

In 11 previous matchups with the Colonials, the Mavericks own a 4-5-2 record. In the previous outing against RMU, Minnesota State scored two goals in the third period to get a 2-1 comeback win over Robert Morris on November 11, 2018 at Colonial Arena.

In goal, RUM relies on a platoon of senior Emma Gorski and sophomore Maggie Hatch. The duo combines for a 3.74 goals-against average paired with a .893 save percentage. 

Taking on Boston University:  
Boston University (5-6-1, 4-5-0 Hockey East) is ninth in the Hockey East Standings. Similar to the WCHA, Hockey East hosts several teams in the Top 15 national polls-- (11) Connecticut, (14) Boston College, (15) Vermont, (RV) Maine.

Headlining BU's offense is senior Lacey Martin who leads the Terriers in goals (7), assists (6), and points (13). In the only previous matchup against Boston University, the Mavericks dropped to the Terriers by a final of 5-2 on November 17, 2017 in Arlington, Virginia.

In goal, BU relies on a platoon of graduate student Alexa Matses and freshman Mari Pietersen. The duo combines for a 2.69 goals-against average paired with a .876 save percentage.