MANKATO, Minn. (Interstat) — Minnesota State will host Saint Cloud State in a women’s NCAA Division I hockey game Friday at Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato, Minn. Both teams enter with 2-0 records, setting up an early-season matchup between unbeaten programs.

Saint Cloud State, nicknamed the Huskies, has opened with two wins over Connecticut. The Huskies most recently earned a 4-2 victory, powered by Alice Sauriol, Sofianna Sundelin and goaltender Emilia Kyrkkö. Sauriol recorded one goal, two assists and three shots on goal. Sundelin added one goal, one assist and three shots on goal. Kyrkkö made 24 saves on 26 shots. In the earlier meeting, Saint Cloud State also won 4-2. Sauriol has been central to the Huskies’ attack, posting two goals and one assist with three shots on goal in one game and one goal and two assists with three shots on goal in the other. She is a player to watch as Saint Cloud State looks to remain perfect.

Minnesota State, nicknamed the Mavericks, also is 2-0 after two wins against RPI. The Mavericks most recently won 5-3, led by Mercury Bischoff, Zoe Lopez and Ayla Puppe. Bischoff recorded two goals, one assist, five shots on goal and one hit. Lopez scored two goals on three shots, while Puppe contributed two assists and two shots. In the earlier game, Minnesota State won 4-1. Bischoff had one shot on goal in that contest but remains a key offensive threat for the Mavericks. Her ability to create scoring chances and apply pressure will be important against a Saint Cloud State team that has started strongly at both ends of the ice.

The matchup at Verizon Wireless Center will feature two teams off to identical starts and looking to build momentum. Saint Cloud State will rely on Sauriol and a balanced offense that produced four goals in each of its first two games. Minnesota State will counter with Bischoff and a lineup that has scored nine goals across its opening two wins. Special teams, goaltending and defensive-zone execution could shape a contest between programs familiar with each other.

After Friday’s game, Saint Cloud State is scheduled to face Minnesota State again, then visit Colgate, St. Thomas, Bemidji State, Wisconsin and Minnesota in coming weeks. Minnesota State is set to face Saint Cloud State again before road series at Wisconsin and Boston College and games against Robert Morris, St. Thomas, Bemidji State, Minnesota-Duluth and others. The early-season schedule offers both teams chances to test their depth.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Minnesota State to defeat Saint Cloud State 3-2.