MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota State Mavericks (12-19-2, 6-19-2 WCHA) defeated the St. Thomas Tommies (9-22-2, 6-20-1 WCHA) by a final score of 8-3 in the first game of their series at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.

The Mavericks wasted no time getting on the board, as Madison Mashuga opened the scoring in the first five minutes with an assist from Jamie Nelson. Just a minute later, Claire Vekich netted her 13th goal of the season, assisted by Alexis Paddington and Kamryn Van Batavia.

St. Thomas responded in the 15th minute of the first period with their first goal of the night. However, Minnesota State extended its lead before the period ended, with Sydney Langseth scoring off assists from Shelbi Guttormson and Mashuga.

The Tommies struck first in the second period, cutting the deficit to one, but the Mavericks quickly regained control. Van Batavia tallied her first goal of the game in the fourth minute, assisted by Taylor Otremba and Vekich. In the 11th minute, Bella Shipley found the back of the net for her sixth goal of the season, assisted by Whitney Tuttle and Otremba.

Minnesota State continued its offensive surge in the third period. Van Batavia scored her second goal of the game unassisted in the fifth minute. It was Van Batavia's first career multi-goal game.

Two minutes later, the Tommies recorded their final goal of the night. The Mavericks answered in the eighth minute when Paddington scored, assisted by Vekich and Jayden Seifert. Otremba sealed the victory in the 14th minute, scoring off assists from Tuttle and Lauren Goldsworthy.

The Mavericks outshot the Tommies 24-21. In goal, Hailey Hansen recorded a .889 save percentage in the win. Van Batavia (2-1—3), Vekich (1-2—3) and Paddington (1-2—3) all finished with three points. Friday marked the second time this season the Mavericks posted eight goals in a game (Jan. 3 vs. Lindenwood).

Minnesota State wraps up its regular season Saturday afternoon in St. Paul, facing St. Thomas in the series finale. The Mavericks are currently in sixth place in the WCHA standings.