MANKATO, Minn. - The Lake Superior State University hockey program (9-25-2, 8-17-1 CCHA) fell to the top-seeded Minnesota State Mavericks (23-12-1, 16-9-1 CCHA) in game two of the opening round of the Mason Cup Playoffs by a final score of 2-1 on Saturday.

Both teams battled early, but the defenses would prove to be the stars throughout as both teams would go into the first intermission scoreless with strong play between the pipes from Seth Eisele (Lake Elmo, Mich.).

Christian Fitzgerald opened up the scoring in the second period for the Mavericks with a power play goal, but Jack Jeffers (Oakville, Ont.) was able to answer right back, finding the back of the net at the 10:31 mark after taking an assist from Dawson Tritt (Spokane, Wash.).

Both teams would continue to answer the call on the defensive end, but with just over a minute remaining in regulation, Ryan Sandelin was able to sneak the puck through for Minnesota State's second power play goal of the night and what would ultimately prove to be the game-winner.

Despite the loss, Eisele gave everything he had to give his team a chance, making 38 saves to help keep the Lakers in the tightly-contested defensive struggle, and Grant Hindman (Oakland, Mich.) would help out his goaltender by blocking a team-leading three shots.