MANKATO, Minn. — No. 13/14 Minnesota State (11-11-1, 5-11-1) fell to No. 3 Ohio State, 7–4, Friday night at the Mayo Clinic HSEC. The Mavericks scored three power-play goals but were unable to overcome the Buckeyes' offensive pressure.

Minnesota State responded quickly after Ohio State's opening goal, as Mercury Bischoff tied the game late in the first period. The Buckeyes built a 3–2 lead after one, despite a late goal from Ayla Puppe to keep the Mavericks within one.

Bischoff opened the second period with an unassisted power-play goal to briefly tie it up, but Ohio State answered with two quick goals to swing momentum. The Mavericks entered the third period trailing 5–3.

Sophie Stramel cut the deficit to 6–4 with a power-play goal midway through the third, but Ohio State added an insurance goal to seal the win.

Bischoff led Minnesota State with two goals, while Puppe recorded a goal and an assist. Whitney Tuttle added two assists, and Stramel finished with a power-play goal and nine faceoff wins.

The Mavericks return to action tomorrow Saturday, Jan. 17, hosting No. 3 Ohio State at 3:02 p.m. CT at the Mayo Clinic HSEC.