The Lindenwood women's hockey team dropped its home opener on Friday evening from the Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Mo. The Lions were defeated 4-1 at the hands of the Minnesota State Mavericks.

Minnesota opened the first-period scoring at the 2:32 mark of the frame, taking a one-goal lead. Just over seven minutes later the Mavericks extended their lead to two goals, tallying a short-handed goal.

Nearly four minutes after Minnesota's State second goal, Lindenwood's back check forced a Maverick's turnover, resulting in a Lindenwood scoring chance. Courtney Ganske gained control of the puck and sent Taylor Girard streaking down the right side of the ice. As Girard skated towards the net, she unleashed a wrist shot over the Minnesota State goaltenders right shoulder, scoring her team-leading second goal of the season. For Ganske, the assist was also her team-leading second of the year.

The Mavericks would strike once more before the end of the period, holding a 3-1 edge after 20 minutes of play.

Minnesota State protected its two-goal lead for the remainder of the game, and tacked on an empty-net score of 73 seconds remaining in the game.

Jolene deBruyn stopped 23 shots in goal for the Lions, including 10 saves during the first period.

Girard and Hannah Alt led Lindenwood with four shots apiece.

With the loss, Lindenwood moves to 0-3-0 to begin the season. The Lions and Mavericks will conclude the two-game non-conference series tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. from Lindenwood Ice Arena.