CHESTERFIELD, Mo. – The on-ice rivalry between Minot State and Midland continues to be closely contested, but on this night, the win went to the Warriors.

Third-ranked Minot State made a strong third-period charge in the teams' WMCH semifinal match-up, but couldn't break through in the final 10 minutes, falling to second-ranked Midland, 3-2 on Friday night.

The win sends Midland into the WMCH Tournament title game against Liberty on Saturday, while the Beavers (21-10-2 overall) now will prepare for the next tournament on their schedule – and a much bigger goal, the ACHA National Tournament in Boston, Massachusetts, March 16-20.

The 10-team national tournament begins Thursday, March 16, with the Beavers most likely playing one of four opening-round games that day.

Friday in their battle with Midland, the Beavers found themselves down, but not out, trailing 3-0 heading into the third period.

A power-play goal by Ensley Fendelet ignited the comeback, then just a few minutes later, Jordan Kulbida scored to close the gap to 3-2 with more than 10 minutes left.

But the Warriors hung on over the final half of the period, fending off Minot State to advance to the title game against No. 1-ranked Liberty. The Flames beat tournament host Maryville 6-1 in the day's other semifinal.

Haylie Biever finished with 20 saves in goal for the Beavers on Friday night.