Bowling Green hockey (5-6-2, 2-3-2) took a trip to Mankato, Minnesota, this week to take on the Minnesota State Mavericks (11-4-2, 6-2-2), who lead the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), on Friday in the first game of a weekend series for the teams. 

The Falcons would go on to lose the matchup 4-1 on a day where the Mavericks firepower clearly outmatched BG. 

It was a slow day for the Orange and Brown’s offense despite a hot start by freshman forward Adam Zlnka who tallied his first colligate goal to tie the game 1-1 in what was a massive moment in the first period. 

Minnesota State would answer quickly, scoring with 4:51 left to go in the first period, making a statement 2-1 and maintaining the momentum for the rest of the match, scoring three unanswered to close out the game. 

While the second and third periods would tilt heavily in favor of the Mavericks, BG would actually outshoot Minnesota State 18-17.  

The big turning point of the game would come from the powerplays as BG would go scoreless on their only power play of the day while the Mavericks would go one of two with more players on the ice. 

It was relatively close in the net, with sophomore goalie Cole Moore returning to a starting job after being used as relief on Nov. 30 against Michigan Tech. 

Both teams tied in saves with 20, but the offensive efficiency heavily favored the Mavericks, who out-shot the Falcons 24 to 21 while also winning the face-off game .622 to .378. 

The loss marks the fifth straight loss or tie for BGSU, who have not won a hockey game in a month.  

Looking to get back into the win column, the Falcons will have a rematch against the Mavericks on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:07 p.m. at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minnesota. 

Falcon Media Sports Network’s Ben Corak will have the call of the game, starting around 6:45 for pregame on Falcon Radio.