MANKATO, MN -- Minnesota State, Mankato captured the "Spirit of the Mavericks" trophy Saturday night with a 6-4 victory over Nebraska-Omaha at the Midwest Wireless Center.

MSU's Adam Gerlach recorded his first career hat trick to extend Minnesota State's unbeaten record against UNO to seven games (6-0-1).

UNO's Alex Nikiforuk gave UNO a 1-0 lead in the first period at the 8:49 mark before Gerlach tied the score 10 minutes later.

Nebraska-Omaha regained the lead in the second period with a power play tally by Micah Sanford, his first of the season. MSU's David Backes and Brad Thompson at 4:36 and 6:53, respectively made it 3-2 in favor of MSU.

UNO's John Thomas evened the score with his first goal of the year at 7:32 of the second period and then Dan Hacker gave UNO a one-goal lead at 19:27.

MSU scored three unanswered goals in the third stanza to claim the win. Gerlach scored 56 seconds into the period and then Jake Brenk gave MSU the lead for good when he scored at 2:51. Gerlach's third goal, at 13:50 sealed the victory for Minnesota State.

UNO's Scott Parse tied the UNO single-season scoring record with an assist, giving him 47 points on the season.

The Mavericks maintained their hold on the CCHA's fourth spot and will host Lake Superior next weekend in a best of three series.