NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. — The Minnesota State University returned home from Massachusetts Saturday night flying high after a 9-3 victory against Merrimack College at Lawler Rink.
The win gives the Mavericks (2-0-0 overall) a sweep of the season-opening series and a boost of confidence heading into next weekend's home opener and WCHA opener against national power Minnesota Duluth.
Minnesota State led 3-1 after one period and broke the game open with four goals in the second period to bring a 7-2 lead into the third.
The Mavericks' nine goals marked their most in a game in nearly a decade, since defeating Lindenwood 10-2 on Oct. 1, 2011.
Three MSU players led the way offensively: Senior forwards Brooke Bryant, Brittyn Fleming and Claire Butorac. Bryant and Fleming recorded two goals and an assist each, while Butorac had a goal and two assists.
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Merrimack actually scored the game's first goal, when Courtney Maud scored 2:52 into the game. It was all MSU after that, as Sydney Langseth, Kennedy Bobyck and Bryant scored once each for a 3-1 lead. MSU pulled away in the second, as Fleming scored twice, while Kelsey King added a short-handed goal and Butorac scored once.
Byrant and Danielle England added third-period insurance goals for the Mavericks, who received 27 saves from sophomore goalie Lauren Barbro in her first start of the year.
MSU faces a tall task next week when it plays at home against No. 5-ranked Minnesota Duluth. Friday's game is set for a 6:01 p.m. start, while Saturday's game is a scheduled 3:01 p.m. start.
BOX SCORE: Minnesota State University 9, Merrimack College 3
