SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Colton Friesen broke a scoreless tie late in the third period and Joey DelGreco added an empty-net goal as Augustana men's hockey secured its first postseason series victory in program history, defeating Bemidji State 2-1 Saturday night at Midco Arena to advance in the Mason Cup Playoffs.

Josh Kotai delivered a standout performance in net, stopping 42 of 43 shots as the Vikings improved to 22-10-4 on the season and punched their ticket to the Mason Cup semifinals.

The two teams skated through a tightly contested first period with neither side finding the back of the net. Bemidji State generated several early opportunities, but Kotai turned aside all 10 shots he faced in the opening frame to keep the game scoreless heading into the first intermission.

The Beavers continued to apply pressure in the second period, outshooting Augustana 15-5 in the frame. Kotai remained steady between the pipes, making several key saves, including a series of stops during a late Bemidji State power play to send the contest into the third period still deadlocked at 0-0.

Augustana finally broke through in the final minutes of regulation. With 2:57 remaining, Friesen found the back of the net at 17:03 of the third period off assists from Nace Langus and Owen Bohn to give the Vikings a 1-0 lead.

The Vikings extended the advantage moments later when DelGreco buried an empty-net goal at 18:32, with Kotai picking up the assist on the play.

Bemidji State made one final push, scoring with 40 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one, but Augustana held firm over the closing seconds to secure the 2-1 victory and the program's first postseason series win.

Kotai anchored the effort with 42 saves as the Beavers finished the night with a 43-19 advantage in shots.

Game Moments

• Augustana earned its first postseason series victory in program history, advancing in the Mason Cup Playoffs.
• Josh Kotai made 42 saves to lead the Vikings between the pipes.
• Colton Friesen scored the game-winning goal with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.
• Joey DelGreco sealed the win with an empty-net goal while Kotai recorded the assist.

Goals

• Friesen scored at 17:03 of the third period off assists from Nace Langus and Owen Bohn.
• DelGreco added an empty-net goal at 18:32 of the third period with an assist from Josh Kotai.
• Funk scored late in the third period for Bemidji State.

Up Next
Augustana advances to the Mason Cup Semifinals, with opponent, location, ticket information and game time to be announced. Updates and full details will be announced on GoAugie.com or by staying tuned to @AugieMHockey on X.