MANKATO, Minn.- Lake Superior State finished 0-4 in its season series against fourth-ranked Minnesota State after falling 3-1 Saturday in Mankato.

The Lakers (4-19-1 overall, 3-13-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) gave up a goal during each period against the Mavs (16-4-1 overall, 13-2-1 WCHA), and mustered a single goal in the third period.

Freshman Gordon Defiel started in net for the Lakers and was strong through much of the contest even while allowing the three goals. Defiel finished with 33 saves for the evening.

Zach Palmquist opened the scoring 4:08 minutes into the first period on a feed from Carter Foguth and Brad McClure. C.J. Franklin scored at 15:19 of the second period and Dylan Margonari added a goal at 2:06 of the third period. Three seperate lines scored for the Mavericks as they displayed the depth that coach Damon Whitten and his squad predicted leading up to the series.

Sophomore Mitchell Nardi (3-3--6) ensured that the Lakers wouldn't leave scoreless when he netted an acrobatic goal past Mavs starting goaltender Stephon Williams 41 seconds after the Margonari goal in the third period. Matt Johnson (0-5--5) and Alex Globke (2-5--7) added the assists.

Williams finished with 24 saves.

The Lakers return to the friendlier confines of Taffy Abel Arena next weekend as they take on Bemidji State Jan. 16-17. Friday night's puck drop is set for 7:37 pm and Saturday's game will begin at 7:07 pm. On Saturday, LSSU Athletics is offering a triple-header ticket for $12 allows admission to the hockey game and both basketball games against Hillsdale, which are scheduled at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Final MSU 3 - LSSU 1