MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (13-16-2, 7-16-2 WCHA) fell to No. 1 University of Wisconsin (26-3-2, 20-3-2 WCHA) by a score of 4-1 at the Mayo Clinic HSEC.

Minnesota State generated early pressure in the opening period with shots from Whitney Tuttle and Zoe Lopez. Wisconsin took a 2-0 lead on first-period goals before the Mavericks responded late in the frame. Lauren Zawoyski scored on assists from Tuttle and Sophie Stramel to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into the first intermission.

Wisconsin extended its lead in the second period with a short-handed goal at 15:07 to make it 3-1. The Mavericks had multiple power-play opportunities but were unable to convert. Hailey Hansen made several key saves to keep Minnesota State within reach.

In the third period, the Mavericks continued to push offensively but could not break through. A Wisconsin power-play goal at 12:17 stretched the lead to 4-1, which held as the final

Minnesota State returns to action to finish the series against No. 1 Wisconsin on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2:02 p.m. CT at Mayo Clinic HSEC.