MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO. – They did it again…and this time they get to play for the National Championship! The Minot State women's hockey team competed in the ACHA National Tournament in another highly contested battle. It was another game that went the distance, almost five periods to be exact in double overtime. In the semifinals, the Beavers matched up with the 1^st-seeded Liberty University Flames.

In 98 minutes and 10 seconds of hockey action, the Beavers finally found an answer in double overtime to win 2-1 over the Flames and punch their ticket to the ACHA National Championship.

There will be a "Natty on St. Patty's Day" watch party taking place inside the Beaver Dam tomorrow when Minot State drops the puck versus Adrian College at 1:00 p.m.

The first period started scoreless for a good portion, until Minot got the scoring started at 12:25. Liberty responded over five minutes later at 17:45 to make the opening frame a tie hockey game.

After that, you would have to go another 80 minutes and 25 seconds for the next goal to take place. The second period: scoreless. Third period: scoreless. And then we take it into sudden death. First overtime: once again, scoreless.

It was an absolute nail-biter with the next goal to determine the winner, and yet many looks on net did not find a way through. The game supposedly ended early courtesy of Liberty. At least, they thought so. They scored in the double overtime period, but it was waved off. Thus, a huge sigh of relief for the Beavers and confidence boost.

That goal swing would fuel the Beaver efforts late in the extra period. In the 18^th minute, the magic returned. Minot State notches the game winner at 18:10 and their second-straight appearance in the National Championship game.

In another overtime session, someone had to play the role of hero once again. Giving Minot State the win was Cameron Schmidt with her first of the tournament. Scoring along with her was captain Riley Ball, who had the first-period marker.

Just when Haylie Biever had herself a great performance yesterday, she doubled down and went crazy versus Liberty. She was unstoppable with 70 saves on 71 shots to set a brand new single-game record in saves, passing Shelby Tornato's record of 62 back on October 22, 2016.

Minot State picks up their second-straight overtime win versus Liberty this season, counting for both regular and postseason. It is also their third win over the Flames under MSU Athletics affiliation. The Beavers will go for all the marbles tomorrow against the Bulldogs of Adrian College at Centene Community Ice Center.