BEMIDJI, Minn. - Julie Rising (Millbrae, Calif.) scored a short-handed goal to tie the game late in the first period, but the Bemidji State women’s hockey team fell 3-1 to Minnesota State University, Mankato Friday night at John Glas Fieldhouse.

The game was the first of the season for both teams, and BSU dropped to 0-1 in WCHA play while the Mavericks improved to 1-0 in the conference.

Holly Snyder got the MSU on the board early, with a power play goal in the fifth minute of the opening period off an assist by Ashley Young. The goal was the first of Snyder’s collegiate career and the first of the season for Minnesota State.

Rising scored the game-tying goal at the 18:56 mark of the opening period after an impressive steal at the blue line. It was the first goal of the freshman’s career. Short-handed goals are rare for BSU, as the Beavers had two last year and zero the year before that.

Brittany Mackley broke the tie 9:18 into the second period off an assist from Kristina Bunker. Maggie Fisher scored an insurance goal at the 17:19 mark of the second period off assists from Kala Buganski and Young. Mackley and Fisher both notched their first goals of the season.

BSU outshot the Mavericks 12-5 in the opening frame, but Minnesota State combined to outshoot the Beavers 29-11.

Emily Brookshaw (Webster, Wisc.) had 31 saves in the contest while playing all but 52 seconds in net for the Beavers. She gave up three goals and fell to 0-1 on the season. Britni Kehler (1-0) had 22 saves and gave up only one goal.

BSU returns to action Oct. 6 in a day game against the Mavericks. The contest begins at 2:07 p.m. and will be played at the Glas.

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