MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (4-1-0, 0-1-0 WCHA) dropped its first decision of the 2025-26 season as St. Thomas (5-0-0, 1-0-0 WCHA) topped the Mavericks 2-1 in overtime in front of a program-record 2,193 spectators at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center on Friday afternoon. The record crowd was achieved in part through an initiative with Mankato Independent School District (ISD) #77 for the inaugural ISD Elementary Day. Over 1,800 students and teachers from ISD #77's third, fourth, and fifth grades helped infuse the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center with a boisterous and energetic atmosphere throughout the contest.
The loss snapped MSU's four-game winning streak to start the 2025-26 campaign. Still, it stands as the second-best winning streak to open a season in Minnesota State history, with only the 6-0 start from the 2003-04 Mavericks ranking higher.
The Mavericks struck first late in the opening period when
Ayla Puppe netted her third goal of the season, assisted by
Mercury Bischoff and
Kianna Roeske, to give MSU a 1–0 lead. St. Thomas responded minutes later, tying the game at 1–1 with a goal from Nora Sauer assisted by
JuliAnna Gazdik and Cara Sajevic.
Despite several quality chances through the second and third periods, including multiple power-play opportunities, the Mavericks were unable to break through UST goaltender Julia Minotti, who stood tall between the pipes.
In overtime, St. Thomas capitalized just over two minutes in, as Teagan Kulenkamp scored the game-winning goal off assists from
Jenessa Gazdik and Ella Boerger, securing the 2–1 victory for the Tommies.
Hailey Hansen recorded another strong performance in net for the Mavericks, making 24 saves to keep the game tight.
Minnesota State will look to bounce back tomorrow as they close out the series against St. Thomas at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center at 2 p.m. CT.
