MANKATO, Minn.. --- Minnesota State (1-3, 0-1 NSIC) dropped its opening game in a four-game series with University of Mary (2-3, 1-0 NSIC) by a final of 17-7 Friday afternoon in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

The Mauraders jumped on the Mavericks putting up a five spot in their half of the first. The Mavericks pushed back with three runs courtesy of a two-run double off the bat of senior Ryan Friedges Bringing home scoring sophomore Louis Magers and junior Nick Baker.

Friedges would add to his RBI total in the bottom of the third with his first home run on the season plating senior Ryan Wickman and Baker to give the Mavericks a 6-5 lead.

Minnesota State would surrender 11 runs in the next six innings resulting in the Mavericks' third loss on the season.

"We were unable to overcome a couple of early miscues. The Marauders did a good job capitalizing on opportunities any chance they got," stated head coach Matt Magers. " We got several players playing time which will provide them some much-needed experience as the season progresses."

The Mavericks are back in action tomorrow to rematch UMary in game two of a four-game series. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. from Frerichs Legion Field.