MANKATO, Minn. — No. 13 Minnesota State (11-12-1, 5-12-1 WCHA) welcomes No. 9 Minnesota Duluth (12-10-1, 8-8-2 WCHA) to the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center this weekend for a pivotal WCHA showdown. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday, with both games streaming live on B1G+.

Scouting the Bulldogs

Minnesota Duluth enters the weekend with a 12-10-1 overall record and sits fourth in the WCHA standings with 27 points. The Bulldogs are coming off a series against St. Cloud State, earning a 2–2 tie Friday before falling in a shootout, followed by a 5–2 loss on Saturday.

Ranked ninth in both the USA Hockey and USCHO Division I polls. Sophomore Caitlin Kraemer leads the Bulldogs offensively with 21 points on 11 goals and 10 assists, while junior Eve Gascon leads the Bulldogs between the pipes, posting a .933 save percentage and a 2.15 goals-against average.

Recap vs. Ohio State

On Friday, the Mavericks dropped a 7–4 decision but battled throughout. Mercury Bischoff tied the game late in the first period, and Ayla Puppe added a key goal to keep the contest within reach. Bischoff struck again early in the second period with an unassisted power-play goal, while Sophie Stramel added a power-play tally in the third.

Bischoff finished with two goals, Puppe recorded a goal and an assist, Whitney Tuttle dished out two assists.

Saturday's contest was a defensive battle early before Ohio State pulled ahead. Taylor Otremba provided the Mavericks' lone goal in the second period, assisted by Bischoff and Lauren Zawoyski. Hailey Hansen turned aside 31 shots, while Goldsworthy and Zawoyski combined for nine blocked shots as Minnesota State held firm through a scoreless third period.

Series History

Minnesota State looks to flip the script against Minnesota Duluth, entering the weekend 12-94-11 all-time against the Bulldogs. The teams last met earlier this season, with UMD claiming both games.

This weekend sets the stage for a statement opportunity at home as the Mavericks look to climb the WCHA standings and defend home ice against a top-10 opponent.