Box Score MADISON, Wis. – Minnesota State (10-10-1, 4-10-1 WCHA) fell to top-ranked Wisconsin (21-1-1, 15-1-1 WCHA) in a tough 6-2 loss during the first game of the WCHA series on Saturday evening.

After a scoreless first ten minutes, Wisconsin's Kelly Gorbatenko scored giving the Badger's an early 1-0 lead, an advantage they'd take into the intermission.

Wisconsin added to their advantage in the second period, scoring two more goals before the Mavericks found their opportunity to respond. Senior Claire Vekich got Minnesota State on the scoreboard at the 14-minute mark of the second with a goal assisted by senior Alexis Paddington and graduate student Jamie Nelson.

The Badgers maintained control in the third period, adding three more goals to extend their lead. In the final moments of the game, senior Madison Mashuga scored for the Mavericks with less than a minute remaining to close the scoring.

"Thought we played with pace and generated some chances through two periods. We had a tough time winning faceoffs in the third period, which forced us to spend a little more time in the defensive zone. Really proud of our effort.  Great to get a goal in the last minute to set us up to have a strong start tomorrow." Stated head coach Shari Dickerman.

The Mavericks and Badgers wrap up the series tomorrow at 2:02 p.m.