DULUTH, Minn. -- The Northern Michigan University hockey team dropped a 3-1 decision at No. 7 Minnesota-Duluth Friday in the opening game of their non conference series.

The loss drops NMU to 11-10-6 while the Bulldogs improved to 16-10-1 on the campaign.

The Wildcats scored first when senior forward DJ Vandercook scored his second career goal at the 2:52 mark of the first period. Junior Joseph Manno and senior Casey Purpur recorded assists on the play.

The Wildcats maintained their lead through the first part of the second before Willie Corrin scored a short handed unassisted goal at the 8:35 mark of the second.

UMD picked up two more goals in the third period to capture the lead. Jared Thomas scored an even strength goal on assists from Derik Johnson and Charlie Sampair at the 3:01 mark of the third.  Tony Cameranesi scored a power play goal at the 18:31 mark to tack on one for the Bulldogs. Andy Welinski scored an assist on the play.

Junior goalie Michael Doan made 43 saves in goal for the Wildcats in 58:39 of action.

UMD outshot the Wildcats 46-17 including  an advantage of 21-3 in the third period. NMU was 0-1 on the power play while the Bulldogs were 1-2.

Senior forward Ryan Kesti and Manno led the Wildcats with three shots each.

NMU and UMD will complete their non conference series on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 8:07 p.m.