Maguire’s Overtime Goal Sends No. 4 Warriors to Semifinals

ST. LOUIS — No. 4 Midland University returned to the ice Tuesday for a pivotal matchup against No. 5 Minot State University in pool play at the ACHA Women's Division I National Championship. The two rivals needed extra time to determine a winner in their eighth meeting this season. Nearly eight minutes into the first overtime, the Warriors netted the game-winning goal, securing their spot in Thursday's semifinals.

Midland was the aggressor in the first period, recording eight shots on net—several coming during a power-play opportunity near the midway point—while Minot State managed four. Despite the chances, neither team found the back of the net.

The defensive battle continued in the second period. Minot State outshot Midland 6-5 and had a power-play opportunity in the final minute, but the teams remained scoreless heading into the second intermission.

Early in the third, the Warriors successfully killed off the remaining seconds of the Beavers' power play. Minot State kept up the offensive pressure, firing 13 shots on net, but Midland goaltender Meghan Stewart turned away each one. The Warriors countered with seven shots of their own. By the end of regulation, both teams had killed off a penalty, and Minot State held a 23-20 advantage in shots.

Overtime rules in the postseason differ from the regular season, as teams play five-on-five, and the first goal decides the game. Each overtime period lasts 20 minutes with an intermission in between.

For the tired Warriors—who had played the day before—overtime lasted less than eight minutes. After a pair of early shots from the Beavers, Callie Maguire lit the lamp, scoring at the 7:34 mark to send Midland to the semifinals.

"Both teams battled hard today. After playing yesterday, we got a little tired late and into overtime, but we found a way to get the win," said head coach Jason White. "Callie's goal was huge for us—probably one of the biggest in our program's history. It puts us into the semifinals on Thursday.

"None of that would've been possible without our two goalies. Natalie [Rampton] had a great game against Indiana Tech, and then Meghan [Stewart] was outstanding today. She made some key saves, including a couple of breakaways. Both of our goalies are playing their best right now."

Midland advances to the semifinals on Thursday against a to-be-determined opponent. The highest remaining seed will face the lowest seed, with the top seed selecting the game time. The semifinal matchups will take place at either 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. inside USA Arena at the Centene Community Ice Center. The Warriors will have a rest day Wednesday as the final pool play games conclude.