The Mankato East/Loyola Cougars relied on the scoring touch of Neil Nienaber, who netted two goals, to beat the Worthington Trojans, 5-2.

Nienaber scored on the power play at 6:15 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Mankato East/Loyola and again while 9:06 into the second to make the score 2-0 Mankato East/Loyola.

Mankato East/Loyola pulled out the victory even though it was hit with 15 penalty minutes.

The Cougars kept Worthington's goalie busy throughout the game, and Ryan Scholtes made 35 saves on 40 shots. Mankato East/Loyola found the back of the net more times than it usually has this season. The Cougars average 2.7 goals per game.

Others who scored for Mankato East/Loyola included Alec Schultz, who had one and Brandon Treinen, who had two. In addition, Mankato East/Loyola received assists from Grayson Gavin, who had two and Judd Schulz, Brad Johnson, and Logan Lebert, who each chipped in one.

The Trojans forced Mankato East/Loyola goalie Aaron Kroeber to work between the pipes, taking 32 shots.

Worthington was helped by Kody Honius, who grabbed one goal. Honius scored 22 seconds into the third period to make the score 2-1 Mankato East/Loyola. Alex Kremer provided the assist. Worthington additionally got points from Andrew Johnson, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Other players who recorded assists for Worthington were Jacob Molden, who had one.

Kroeber rejected 30 shots on goal for the Cougars. Mankato East/Loyola registered one goal on five power play opportunities. The Trojans incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors.