MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota State Mavericks' season came to a close Sunday afternoon at Ridder Arena, as they fell to the No. 3 Minnesota Golden Gophers 6-2 in game three of the WCHA quarterfinals.

The Mavericks finished the year 14-21-2 overall, including 7-19-2 in WCHA games.

The game was scoreless until the 15th minute of the first period when the Gophers capitalized on a power play to take the lead.

In the second period, Jamie Nelson put the Mavericks on the board at the 9:00 mark, scoring with assists from Madison Mashuga and Kiana Roeske. However, Minnesota responded with five goals in the period to extend their lead.

Nelson found the back of the net again in the third period, netting her second goal of the game with assists from Jayden Seifert and Lilie Ramirez. Despite the effort, the Mavericks were unable to overcome the deficit.

"Really proud of our team. We played with pace and competed hard. They made plays that ended up in the back of the net and we weren't able to capitalize on as many of our chances. Grateful for the opportunity to coach this group of players. They did everything we asked of them and left everything they had out on the ice. Our program is better for having these seniors a part of it. We can't wait to see all that they will accomplish in the future. I appreciate all they did to lead us this year," said head coach Shari Dickerman.

The Mavericks also reached the deciding game against Minnesota Duluth in 2022 and against Minnesota in 2024. In program history, MSU has forced a decisive third game in the opening round of the WCHA tournament five times (2009, 2014, 2022, 2024, and 2025).

With the loss, the Mavericks conclude their 2024-25 season under first year head coach Shari Dickerman. Minnesota (27-10-1, 19-8-1 WCHA) advances to the WCHA Final Faceoff next week at AMSOIL Arena in Duluth, Minnesota.