The Lindenwood women's hockey team was defeated by the Minnesota State Mavericks on Friday evening from the Verizon Center in Mankato, Minn. Minnesota State won the non-conference matchup by a final score of 5-4.

The Mavericks struck first, scoring a goal just 3:06 into the first period of the contest.

Lindenwood quickly responded, scoring back-to-back goals, and carrying a one-goal lead into the first period intermission.

Kirsten Martin scored the first goal for the Lions while on the power play at the 5:45 mark of the period. Hannah Alt and Ally Larson picked up the assists on Martin's first goal of the year.

Shannon Morris-Reade added Lindenwood's second goal of the period just over six minutes after Martin's score, pushing Lindenwood ahead by a 2-1 count. Courtney Ganske and Alt assisted on the Lindenwood goal.

Minnesota State notched the only goal of the second period, tying the game at 2-2 as it headed for the third period.

Taylor Girard scored 17 seconds into the third period, putting Lindenwood back on top by one score. Sierra Burt and Mariah Hinds dished our the helpers on Girard's team-leading 11th goal of the year.

Exactly five minutes later, Minnesota State scored its third goal of the night, pulling even at 3-3.

Britannia Gillanders found the back of the net just 1:56 later to again reestablish Lindenwood's one-goal lead. Lillian Marchant and Ganske had the assists on Gillanders' second goal of the season.

Minnesota State tallied the final two goals of the night, including the game-winning score with just 90 seconds left in regulation. The Mavericks final score proved to be the difference maker, as Minnesota State held off Lindenwood to secure a 5-4 victory.

Jolene deBruyn made 24 saves in goal for Lindenwood.

The Lions and the Mavericks each finished the game 1-2 on the power play.

Lindenwood and Minnesota State will return to the Verizon Center ice to conclude their two-game series tomorrow afternoon. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.