BEMIDJI, Minn. – Winona State University battled back from a 3-0 deficit on Wednesday in the first round of the NSIC postseason tournament, but it was enough as No. 14 Bemidji State held on for a 3-2 victory on its home field.

The Warriors' season comes to an end with a record of 9-9-1 while the Beavers (15-0-3) advance to the conference semifinals.

Bemidji wasted little time putting the Warriors on their heels on the frigid afternoon, scoring a pair of goals in a four-minute span in the first half.

The Beavers stuck first in the 19th minute and padded their lead to 2-0 at the 23-minute mark.

The home team came out of halftime with their third unanswered goal in the 50th minute, claiming what proved to be an insurmountable deficit for Winona. However, the 3-0 hole did not stop the Warriors from mounting a comeback.

Camryn Cadiz picked an opportune for her first career goal as the freshman found the back of the net in the 56th minute. It was then Winona's turn to showcase its quick-striking ability as the Warriors slashed their deficit to 3-2 just 11 seconds later.

Abby Bohanski netted her eighth goal of the season on a penalty kick to make it a one-score game with more than 30 minutes remaining in the contest.

With snowflakes in the air, the Beavers faced a flurry of second-half shots from Winona, but refused to relinquish their lead and held on for the 3-2 victory.

WSU owned a 12-2 advantage in shots in the second half and an 8-5 edge in shots on goal in the game.

Rachel Oleson gloved two saves in the loss and concludes her career ranked second in WSU history in saves (324).  

The playoff loss also marks the final game in their Warrior career for Darian Molter and Mikaella Sabinash.