MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota State Mavericks (3-6-1, 1-6-1 WCHA) are set for a tough weekend as they host the second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (12-3-2, 7-3-2 WCHA) at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. The teams face off Friday at 6:02 p.m. and Sunday at 2:02 p.m. in what promises to be an exciting WCHA matchup.

Last Time Out:
The Mavericks are coming off a split series at No. 8 St. Cloud State. On Friday, MSU secured a convincing 4-1 victory with goals from Claire Vekich, Jamie Nelson, Taylor Otremba, and freshman Bella Shipley, who netted her first collegiate goal. Saturday's rematch saw a hard-fought battle, as JuliAnna Gazdik and Mackenzie Bourgerie scored for the Mavericks. Despite their efforts, St. Cloud State rallied to force overtime and clinched the game with the decisive goal, handing MSU a 3-2 loss.

Goaltender Hailey Hansen was a standout performer, recording 56 saves on 60 shots for a.933 save percentage over the weekend.

Taking on the Buckeyes:
Ohio State, ranked second nationally, arrives in Mankato with a 12-3-2 record after splitting a high-stakes series against top-ranked Wisconsin. Jenna Buglioni leads the Buckeyes with 12 goals and 11 assists, amassing 23 points this season.

Between the pipes, Ohio State leans on four goaltenders but primarily leans on Amanda Thiele, who holds a 1.92 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage.

The Mavericks face a challenging history against the Buckeyes, with a 14-83-11 record. Their last meeting, a 6-2 Buckeyes victory, took place last season in Mankato.