MANKATO, Minn. – Augustana men's hockey scored early but couldn't slow a third-period surge from Minnesota State, falling 4-1 Saturday night at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.

Colton Friesen opened the scoring just 2:17 into the contest, but the Mavericks answered with four unanswered goals, including three in the final period, to secure the win.

Augustana struck first when Friesen capitalized at even strength, finishing a setup from Quinn Rudrud and Owen Baumgartner to give the Vikings a 1-0 edge early in the opening frame. The Vikings generated chances throughout the period, but Minnesota State goaltender Alex Tracy kept the deficit at one heading into the first intermission.

The Mavericks found the equalizer midway through the second period as Luigi Benincasa buried his sixth goal of the season at 5:27. Augustana had opportunities to reclaim the lead, including two power plays in the period, but was unable to solve Tracy as the game remained tied entering the third.

After a small delay due to ice conditions, Minnesota State took control early in the final frame. Ean Somoza scored just 1:06 into the period to give the Mavericks their first lead, before Tristan Lemyre added another at 8:25. Somoza capped the scoring with his second goal of the night at 9:59, extending the lead to 4-1.

Josh Kotai made 28 saves in net for Augustana, while the Vikings were outshot 32-17 on the night.

Game Moments

• Friesen scored 2:17 into the first period to give Augustana an early lead.
• Minnesota State tied the game midway through the second period.
• The Mavericks scored three goals in the third period to pull away.
• Somoza recorded two goals to lead Minnesota State.
• Kotai finished with 28 saves in goal.

Goals

• Friesen opened the scoring with his eighth of the season off feeds from Rudrud and Baumgartner.
• Benincasa tied the game at 1-1 late in the second period.
• Somoza netted the go-ahead goal early in the third and added an insurance tally.
• Lemyre scored at even strength to extend the Mavericks' third-period lead.

Up Next
Augustana returns home next weekend as it faces Lake Superior State for the second time this season. Puck drop is slated for 7:07 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 6:07 p.m.