Box Score SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Capitalizing on a third period power play, Augustana prevailed 3-1 over Minnesota State Friday night at Midco Arena. It was the first win for the Vikings over the Mavericks in program history (four prior matchups). Brett Meerman scored two Augustana goals and Josh Kotai made 33 saves for the Vikings.
 
Minnesota State (11-4-4, 8-3-2 CCHA) can even the series at Augustana (9-5-2, 6-4-1 CCHA) Saturday at 6:07 p.m. CT.
 
The teams exchanged early first period goals. Freshman Jordan Ronn (Champlin, Minn.) netted his first career goal at MSU at 2:50. Fellow freshman Mason LeBel (Mirabel, Quebec) fed a pass in front from behind the goal line as Ronn struck a one-timer in the slot. Senior Campbell Cichosz (Albert Lea, Minn.) also notched his fifth assist of the season.
 
Meerman responded at 5:10 for the Vikings at even strength with a breakaway through the middle of the ice. Jacob Jastrzebski threaded the pass through the neutral zone and Hunter Bischoff started the play in the Augustana defensive zone.
 
The Mavericks tilted the ice in the second period and earned two power plays. Despite a 22-6 shot advantage in the middle stanza, Kotai and the Vikings kept the game locked 1-1.
 
Augustana made it 2-1 on the power play in the third period. Tracy stopped Owen Baumgarter's initial shot, but the rebound found Meerman's forehand and he wristed in the game winner at 12:36. Bischoff (brother of MSU women's hockey forward Mercury Bischoff) added an empty net goal with 53 seconds remaining in regulation.
 
Senior goaltender Alex Tracy (Chicago, Ill.) stopped 17 shots for the Mavericks. The Mavericks went 0-2 on the power play while the Vikings finished 1-3. Augustana blocked 11 shots compared to Minnesota State's 10.
 
"I liked our compete throughout the game," said head coach Luke Strand. "It gave us opportunities. We will have to crack the code at their cage to get inside positioning. Reboot and attack tomorrow."
 
Saturday will be the final non-exhibition game for the Mavericks until January 2 when the team plays UMass Lowell at the Coachella Cactus Cup in Palm Springs, California.