MARQUETTE, Mich. -- The Northern Michigan University hockey program fell to fifth-ranked Minnesota State- Mankato, 5-0, Saturday evening in both teams' first Western Collegiate Hockey Association matchup.

Connor Ryckman got the nod in net to start Saturday's contest but was pulled in favor of Nolan Kent in the first period after MSU jumped to a 3-0 lead. Kent allowed one goal in during his time between the pipes in the opening period for the 4-0 tally heading into the intermission.

Despite the scoreboard, the first period was fairly even in shots, with a 13-10 shots on goal margin, only slightly favoring the Mavericks. The Wildcats also led in blocked shots, stepping in front of 11 of the Mavericks' shot attempts to keep the puck from nearing the netminders.

Both teams were scoreless in the second period with the Mavericks leading the shots on goal margin but Kent made a few huge saves for the Wildcats to keep them alive.

The night ended with the Mavericks recording their fifth goal of the night for the 5-0 final. 

Kent made 22 saves on 24 shots faced while Ryckman had seven saves to the 10 shots against him.