MANDAN - The postseason begins Oct. 15, but for Mandan-St. Mary's, its Oct. 8 match with Century had a postseason-like feel. The Braves needed a win to clinch a state tournament berth for the first time since 2019. The squad rose to the occasion. M-SM broke a 1-1 tie with a goal midway into the second half and held off a Century push to earn 2-1 win. Kylan Hoag netted both goals for the Braves. Nevin Dwyer's goal in the first half tied the score for the Pats, who already clinched a postseason berth a week earlier. The win brings Mandan-St. Mary's to an 8-4-3 overall record, while Century ended its regular season with a 9-4-3 mark overall and in the Western Dakota Association.

Mandan-St. Mary's will next face undefeated Minot on October 10, while Century prepares to take on West Fargo on October 15.