SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Augustana hockey team (18-11-4, 9-5-2 CCHA ) secured its first-ever playoff win in program history Friday night inside a sold-out Midco Arena as it downed Bemidji State (13-17-5, 10-12-4 CCHA) by a score of 3-1. 

In front of a sold-out crowd, Augustana dominated the opening minutes of action in the first period as it controlled possession of the puck. Bemidji State goaltender, Mattias Sholl made three straight saves from out in front to keep the game tied a 0-0. Bemidji State started to answer back with its momentum but failed to find an open space on Josh Kotai. Augustana edged out the Beavers in shots 9-7. 

The battle ensued throughout the second period as both teams found good looks on the net in the early moments. Bemidji State struck first to open up the scoring as Kiklan Irey wired one to the back of the woodwork on an offensive rush while the Beavers were shorthanded. BSU's opening goal turned the tide in the Beavers' favor as it finished the period with 12 shots compared to Augustana's nine. 

The Vikings opened up the final frame with energy as it dominated possession of the puck. Simon Falk tied the game 3:50 into play with a back door tap-in that was set up by Owen Baumgartner and Colton Friesen. Falk's game-tying goal carried momentum as Baumgartner wired in his second of the season off a dish from Tyler Hennen. The scoring continued less than two minutes after as Friesen skated right down Broadway to net his seventh of the season and give Augustana a two-goal lead. Bemidji State ran into penalty problems as it was called for back-to-back five-minute majors. With the man advantage, Augustana controlled the pace and kept Bemidji State from recording a shot throughout the entire third period. The Vikings secured game one of the best-of-three series by a score of 3-1.

Game Moments

• Six Vikings collected points in Friday's win. 
• Friesen and Baumgartner led the Vikings with two points each. 
• Augustana out shot the Beavers 28-19.
• The Vikings scored three unanswered goals in the third period. 
• Bemidji State received two five-minute major penalties in the third period.
• Bemidji State didn't register a shot in the third period. 
• Kotai made 18 saves. 
• Baumgartner was named the Silverstar Star of the Game.

Goals

• Bemidji State struck first in the second period as Irey found the back of the net while the Beavers were on a penalty kill. 
• Augustana answered back with a goal from Simon Falk early in the third period. Baumgartner and Friesen recorded assists on the goal. 
• Baumgartner found the back of the net for his second of the season after he received a dish from T. Hennen. 
• Friesen netted his seventh of the season to give Augustana a two-goal lead. Langus and DelGreco garnered assists. 

Up Next
Augustana returns to Midco Arena on Saturday night for game two of the best-of-three series. The Vikings lead the Mason Cup Quarterfinals series 1-0. Puck drop is slated for 6:07 p.m.