MANKATO, Minn. (Interstat) — Hailey Hansen made 16 saves and Minnesota State used a balanced attack to beat RPI 4-1 in a women’s NCAA Division I hockey game Friday at Verizon Wireless Center. The Mavericks improved to 1-0 with the home victory, while the Engineers dropped to 0-3. The game drew 2,537 fans to Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minn. Minnesota State controlled play for long stretches and handed RPI its third loss in as many games.

Minnesota State scored three goals in the first period and added another in the second, pulling away from the visitors with a steady offensive push. The Mavericks’ first-period outburst gave them a cushion they never relinquished. RPI’s lone goal came from Linn Mattsson, with Mia Montanari assisting. The Engineers struggled to generate consistent offense against Minnesota State’s defense and were unable to mount a comeback.

Neely Hawn, Lauren Zawoyski, Ayla Puppe and Makayla Moran each scored for Minnesota State. Hawn finished with a goal and an assist, Zawoyski had a goal and an assist, and Moran added a goal and an assist. Puppe recorded a goal. Audrey Garton, Lila Deis and Mia Miller also registered assists for the Mavericks. Hawn, a Mars, Pa., native, put two shots on goal. Zawoyski, from Edina, Minn., recorded two shots and a hit. Puppe, from Northfield, Minn., finished with three shots. Moran, from Lakeville, Minn., had three shots.

Hansen was the top star for Minnesota State, stopping 16 of the 17 shots she faced to earn the win. The Blaine, Minn., native was steady in net and allowed the Mavericks to weather RPI’s early chances and maintain control. Minnesota State’s penalty killers also did their part, holding the Engineers off the scoreboard during several special-teams situations. Hansen’s 16 saves helped Minnesota State protect its lead. Her performance was recognized as the top star of the game for the Mavericks.

The teams combined for six minor penalties. RPI’s Mia Montanari was called for bodychecking in the first period, and Minnesota State’s Lila Deis was whistled for roughing later in the period. In the second, RPI’s Kendal Davidson and Gracyn Mackay were sent off for hooking and tripping, respectively, while Minnesota State’s Sophie Stramel and Ava Guillemette received minor penalties for bodychecking and delaying the game. Deis, from Calgary, Canada, also contributed an assist and two penalty minutes. The penalties broke up the flow of the game but did not change the outcome. The Mavericks’ special teams did not allow RPI to score on the power play.

Minnesota State’s scoring depth was on display throughout the game. Garton, from Minneapolis, added an assist and a shot. Deis had two shots. Mercury Bischoff, from Cohasset, Minn., also put a shot on goal. The Mavericks kept pressure on RPI’s defense and created chances from multiple lines. Minnesota State’s attack was balanced, with four different goal scorers and seven players recording at least one point.

RPI’s Mattsson made the most of her opportunity, scoring on her only shot of the game. The Engineers have opened the season with three straight losses, including two at Mercyhurst by scores of 3-1 and 3-0. They will look to respond in the second game of this series. Minnesota State, meanwhile, started its season on a winning note and will aim to build on the victory. The Mavericks’ next game is also against RPI, followed by a series against Saint Cloud State. RPI will return home after this series for a game against Northeastern.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Minnesota State 2, RPI 0 before the game. Interstat’s ELO system had given Minnesota State a 71.1 percent probability to win. The projections favored Minnesota State before the opening faceoff.