The Dodge County Wildcats tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the Winona Winhawks held on for a 4-2 victory.

Winona made the score 4-1 on a goal by Nick Arnold at 47 seconds in the second period, and Dodge County got as close as 4-2 when Samuel Robinson scored 10:24 into the third period.

The win gave the Winhawks a 1-0 lead in the best of one series.

Winona put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Wildcats to score on any of their four power plays. The Winhawks forced Dodge County goalie Mitch Sobotta to work between the pipes, taking 38 shots.

Winona was helped by Nick Rowe, who grabbed one goal and one assist. Rowe scored on the power play 3:59 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Winona. The Winhawks had gotten the advantage when the Wildcats' Cory Schillo was sent off for cross checking. Ryan Grant picked up the assist. Winona also got points from Grant, who also had one goal and one assist. Michael Lubahn also scored for Winona. Other players who recorded assists for Winona were Jacob Kelly, who had two and Alex Johnson and Luke Hemker, who each chipped in one.

Dodge County was helped by Spencer Senn, who racked up one goal. Senn scored 19 seconds into the second period to make the score 3-1 Winona. Robinson provided the assist. Dodge County additionally got points from Robinson, who also registered one goal and one assist. In addition, Dodge County received assists from Tanner Dufault, who had one.

Andrew Yeske recorded 21 saves for Winona. The Winhawks incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. Sobotta rejected 34 shots on goal for the Wildcats. Dodge County incurred 18 minutes in penalty time with nine minors.