Locked in a scoreless tie for 43-minutes and 57-seconds, Ferris State University and Bemidji State University each scored during the final period and settled for a 1-1 draw in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association series finale Saturday at Sanford Center.

The Bulldogs took the first game of the series 3-2 in overtime and held on for a tie Saturday to depart Bemidji, Minn. with three-of-four points and a firm grasp on fourth place in the standings.

Ferris State opened the scoring on a turnover deep in BSU’s zone in the opening moments of the third period. Andrew Mayer picked up the puck in the slot and beat Michael Bitzer for his third goal of the season at the 3:57 mark to break the deadlock.

The Beavers evened the score at the 14:12 mark, getting rewarded for significant offensive pressure. Brendan Harms picked off a Bulldog pass just inside the blue line to keep the puck inside the BSU’s offensive zone. Cory Ward fired a shot from the back door and the puck bounced off Charlie O’Connor’s leg and ended up in the net with O’Connor. After an extended review of the play, the goal stood.

Bitzer finished the night with 29 saves on 30 shots faced and pushed his record to 6-10-4 with the draw.

BSU, now 10-10-4 overall and 7-9-3 in league play, takes a break from WCHA play next weekend to compete in the North Star College Cup at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The Beavers begin defense of their 2015 title versus the University of Minnesota in the second semi-final game at 4 p.m. Saturday. Sunday’s third place and championship games will begin and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.