TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's hockey team skated stride-for-stride with Minnesota State, Mankato this afternoon, striking first and tying the contest twice before the Mavericks pulled away late for a 5–3 victory at Houston Field House.

Charlotte Wensley set the tone early, scoring just 1:49 into the opening period off a feed from Michaela Littlewood to give the Engineers their first lead of the weekend. Minnesota State answered less than two minutes later, however RPI regained the advantage in the second period when Sabrina Beaudoin netted an unassisted goal at 1:57. The Mavericks pulled level again midway through the frame, sending the teams into the third period tied 2–2.

The final 20 minutes produced plenty of action, as Minnesota State grabbed a 3–2 lead on a power-play strike from Lauren Goldsworthy before Ava Guillemette added the eventual game-winner at 9:05. The Engineers responded quickly when Wensley buried her second of the game just over a minute later, again assisted by Littlewood and with a secondary helper from Molly Hamilton, trimming the deficit to one. Despite sustained pressure, including several key chances in front, RPI could not find the equalizer, and the Mavericks secured the outcome with an even-strength tally from Mercury Bischoff at 12:32.

Wensley finished with two goals, while Littlewood recorded a pair of assists and Hamilton chipped in her first point of the season. Beaudoin dominated the faceoff circle, winning 20 of 31 draws, and freshman goaltender Maelee Ambrass impressed in her season debut with 35 saves. On the defensive side, Sophia Jones blocked a game-high eight shots, helping the Engineers to a team total of 19. RPI also held the edge in faceoffs, 30–24, as the team generated consistent pressure against a strong Maverick squad.

The Engineers will look ahead to a pair of contests on Friday and Saturday at Holy Cross. Both evenings are set ofr a 6:00 pm puck drop in Worcester, Mass.