MANKATO, Minn. – Minnesota State (6-8-1, 2-8-1 WCHA) fell to Wisconsin (18-1-0, 12-1-0 WCHA) 2-1 in the opening game of their series at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in WCHA women's hockey.

The game started with an early setback for the Mavericks, as Jenessa Gazdik was penalized for cross checking 54 seconds into the game. Wisconsin capitalized on the power play, scoring to take a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.

In the fifth minute of the second period, Wisconsin extended their lead with another goal, making it 2-0. However, Minnesota State fought back later in the period. With three minutes remaining, Madison Mashuga scored a power play goal, assisted by Jenessa Gazdik and Sydney Langseth, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Despite outshooting Wisconsin 24-23, along with a strong performance in goal from Hailey Hansen, who recorded a .913 save percentage, the Mavericks were unable to equalize.

The two teams will meet again tomorrow at 2:02 p.m. for the second game of the series at the Mayo Clinic HSEC.