BEMIDJI, Minn. | The University of Alabama in Huntsville hockey team dropped the series opener to WCHA rival Bemidji State on Friday night at Sanford Center by a final score of 4-0. UAH falls to 5-15-3 (4-11-0 WCHA), while BSU improves to 6-10-3 (4-6-3 WCHA).

Bemidji State's Matt Papavessis took advantage of the first power-play opportunity with a goal at 6:39 of the first to give the Beavers an early 1-0 advantage. BSU's Charlie O'Connor added to the lead just after the midway mark of the first at 10:07, and the Bemidji State 2-0 advantage held through 20 minutes of play.

Sophomore Carmine Guerriero made his 16th start of the season between the pipes for UAH and saw plenty of action in the opening frame. Guerriero made 13 saves in the first, despite allowing the opening two scores.

The Beavers added to their early advantage with a goal at 7:21 in the second period by Kyle Bauman, his first of the season. BSU would carry their 3-0 lead into the second break.

The majority of the third period was tightly contested on the defensive end, until Bemidji State's John Parker scored at 16:21 to bring the game to its final score of 4-0.

Guerriero made seven saves in the final period to bring his total to 29 stops on the night. The sophomore has notched 25 or more saves in 14 of his 16 starts in the 2014-15 campaign.

Overall, UAH posted 18 shots on goal led by junior Alex Carpenter and sophomore Cody Marooney with two shots on target apiece. Brent Fletcher, Jack Prince and Reagan Soquila each added two shots in the loss.

UAH and Bemidji State will wrap up the rivalry weekend with the finale on Saturday night at Sanford Center. Puck drops at 7 p.m.