Wayne women fall to Minnesota State

The Wayne State women dropped both their games against the Minnesota State Mavericks this past weekend, losing 3-2 on Friday and 5-1 on Saturday.

The Warriors held the Mavericks even through the first period, but things took a sour turn when the Warriors' near-flawless penalty kill unit was rattled--they gave up their first goal in over a month at 6:02 of the second period. Minnesota State added another even-strength goal late in the second period, and extended their lead to three by 5:11 of the third period.

Refusing to go down quietly, the Warriors executed a late-game surge. Tina Vanderhoeven and Sarah Campbell took advantage of a Wayne State power play to set up Melissa Boal (pictured) for a goal. Goalie Valery Turcotte was pulled with a minute remaining, and Sam Poyton seized the opportunity to net her fifth goal of the season. Jessica Snelgrove and Laura Monk were credited with the assists. However, with only a minute remaining, Wayne State could not gain a third goal and had to settle for the loss.

Turcotte finished Friday's contest with 22 saves.

On Saturday, the Warriors put forth a solid effort as they outshot the Mavericks 32-29. Unfortunately, Minnesota State goalie Britni Kehler had an outstanding night and the Warriors' own defense could not stem the Maverick stampede.

Turcotte allowed four goals on seventeen Maverick shots before the end of the second period, and was replaced by Tiffany Thompson late in the second stanza.

Boal provided the lone bright spot for the Warriors, ending Kehler's shutout bid with an unassisted goal late in the second period.

Thompson stopped 11 of the 12 shots she faced, but the Mavericks snuck in a fifth goal to seal the game's final score.

The Warriors will attempt to rebound when they face Cornell University on the road this weekend.