Groll scores twice in 3-2 loss to UND-Minnesota State University

MANKATO, Minn. – Josh Groll scored his first two goals of the season, but the No. 20 Mavericks fell to No. 5 North Dakota 3-2 on Friday in front of 4,912 fans at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.

Groll shot a free puck under TJ Semptimphelter at 14:42 of the first period. The senior captain scored again at even strength early in the second period. Cruise through the neutral zone Adam Eisele Groll fed Groll at the top of the circle, who scooped up the ball and fired a snap shot from the glove side for a 2-0 lead. Eisele and Rhett Pitlick assisted on both of MSU's goals.

Minutes later, UND's Jayden Perron broke his stick with a wrist shot off the post on the power play. Then Alex Tracy slid over and saved with the left pad on the back door to avoid a minor penalty.

Toward the end of the second period, the momentum swung toward North Dakota. Zach Krajnik hit a backhand ball beyond the goal line, but the goal was disallowed and Eisele was assessed a major penalty and a game-misconduct penalty for head contact.

Still outnumbered at the start of the third period, UND's Cameron Berg needed 40 seconds to get a rebound off the boards. Just 18 seconds later, Louis Jamernik tied the score at 2-2 for UND.

Carter Wilkie blocked the eventual game winner with a clean shot as he rushed in from the left circle.

The Mavericks led 25-22 in shots on goal. resentment and Will Hillman each took four. Mason Wheeler blocked five shots. Minnesota State finished 0-1 on the power play. North Dakota converted 2:4.

Tracy recorded 19 saves for the Mavericks while Semptimphelter made 23 stops for the Fighting Hawks.

Both teams will be back for the final game of the weekend series on Saturday evening at 6:07 p.m.