MANKATO, Minn. (Interstat) — Minnesota State will host RPI on Saturday in a women’s NCAA Division I hockey game at Verizon Wireless Center. The Mavericks enter 1-0, while the Engineers are 0-3.

Minnesota State opened its season with a 4-1 win over RPI in the teams’ most recent meeting. Hailey Hansen made 16 saves in that victory and is a player to watch for the Mavericks. Lauren Zawoyski recorded a goal and an assist, and Neely Hawn also added a goal and an assist. Minnesota State will look to carry that balanced attack into the rematch and remain unbeaten.

RPI is seeking its first win after losses to Minnesota State and Mercyhurst. Linn Mattsson is a player to watch for the Engineers. She scored in the loss to the Mavericks and recorded a shot on goal at Mercyhurst. Alexis Brunet also recorded a shot on goal in the most recent game for RPI. The Engineers will need a stronger defensive effort and more sustained pressure to stay with Minnesota State.

The Mavericks’ home ice at Verizon Wireless Center gives them an early scheduling advantage. Minnesota State has scored four goals in its only game, while RPI has managed two goals through three contests. The Engineers have faced a challenging opening stretch and will be looking to tighten their play in their own end while generating chances against a Mavericks team that already has a win over them.

After Saturday, RPI returns home for a series of games, beginning with Northeastern at RPI on Oct. 2. The Engineers also host Robert Morris for two games, Maine for two, Princeton and Quinnipiac, before road games at Colgate and Cornell and a home game against Union. Minnesota State next hosts Saint Cloud State for two games on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3, then visits Wisconsin, hosts Robert Morris, visits Boston College and St. Thomas, hosts St. Thomas and visits Bemidji State.

The game could hinge on RPI’s ability to solve Hansen and Minnesota State’s ability to limit Mattsson’s chances. The Mavericks have the stronger recent result and home ice, while the Engineers are still searching for consistency early in the season. A fast start would help RPI avoid playing from behind, while Minnesota State will aim to control play and build on its opening win.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Minnesota State 2, RPI 0. Interstat’s ELO system gives Minnesota State a 71.8 percent probability to win.