BEMIDJI, Minn. -The Bemidji State University women’s hockey team was down 2-0 after the first period, but scored two second-period goals to tie Minnesota State University, Mankato 2-2 Saturday afternoon at John Glas Fieldhouse.

Annie Bauerfeld (Woodbury, Minn.) gave the Mavericks an early advantage after she was called for elbowing at the 6:27 mark of the first period. Minnesota State took advantage less than a minute into the power play when Maggie Fisher scored off assists by Christina Lee and Ashley Young. Fisher missed when she attempted the shot, but the puck had enough momentum to carry it through BSU goaltender Emily Brookshaw’s (Webster, Wisc.) legs and into the net. The goal came 7:05 into the first period.

Minnesota State killed a BSU power-play later in the frame, and went on the offensive to put in another goal. Kristina Bunker scored an unassisted goal with 1:51 remaining in the opening period, and BSU looked like it might fall to 0-2 on the season, especially considering the Mavericks defeated Bemidji State after taking an early lead Friday.

The Beavers, however, had other plans.

After just 1:03 had elapsed in the second period, BSU began its impressive rally when Julie Rising (Millbrae, Calif.) found the net for her second career goal and second goal in as many games. The freshman was assisted by Erin Cody (Roseville, Minn.) and Haley Balcom (Elk River, Minn.). Rising is now tied for first place in WCHA play in goals scored, and she seems to be just getting started in her young BSU career.

Cody recorded the first assist of her career, and Balcom now has 17 career assists with three coming against MSU.

Bemidji State had three power-play opportunities after Rising’s goal in the second period, but was unable to capitalize on any of the man-advantage situations.

With both teams at full strength, Eva Schwaerzler (Dornbirn, Austria) notched the game-tying goal at the 14:11 mark of the second period. The freshman notched the first goal of her career off a helper from Tara Hiscock (Turtle River, Minn.), who now has 21 assists in her four years at BSU with two coming against Minnesota State.

Brookshaw (0-1-1) had 28 saves in the contest, including 15 in the second period when BSU was making its comeback. She gave up two goals early but stifled the Maverick scoring attack for the final two periods and overtime.

Britni Kehler (1-0-1) wasn’t tested as much as Brookshaw in net for the Mavericks, but she also gave up two goals while making 17 stops.

BSU (0-1-1, 0-1-1 WCHA) was outshot in every period, and did not attempt a shot in the overtime frame. Minnesota State (1-0-1, 1-0-1 WCHA) controlled the tempo for most of the game, and outshot Bemidji State 30-19.

The Beavers were 0-6 on power-play chances, and the Mavericks were able to capitalize on one of their two man-advantage opportunities.

Bemidji State hits the road Oct. 13-14 in Duluth, Minn., for a weekend series against the University of Minnesota Duluth.

NOTES: BSU is now 3-13-2 all-time in opening WCHA series and is 13-16-7 all-time against MSU...The Beavers are now 4-9-6 all-time versus the Mavericks...Minnesota State had success on faceoffs, winning 36 out of 61...Ashley Young and Amanda Stohr had a combined 23-7 advantage on faceoffs...Kailee Jaeger (Devils Lake, N.D.) was the only Beaver with more than one faceoff to have a winning percentage...She went 4-1 on her faceoffs after not playing in Friday’s game.

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