[stats] Andy Berg had two goals and one assist and Mike Polidor made 33 saves as fifth-seeded Air Force defeated fourth-seeded Niagara, 5-3, in the first round of the College Hockey America Tournament, Thursday, March 14, at Dwyer Arena in Niagara, N.Y.

With the victory Air Force advances to the semifinals of the CHA Tournament and ended Niagara's season on its home ice. AFA now faces top-seeded Wayne State, Friday, March 15, at 7:05 EST. The win also extended Air Force's unbeaten streak to eight games, the second longest winning streak in the nation. Wayne State owns the longest winning streak in the nation at 10 games.

"Things are really going good for us right now," head coach Frank Serratore said. "We have good karma. Everybody is stepping up. We are getting something from everyone. We won faceoffs and blocked a lot of shots. Our guys our paying the price to win tough games."

"We played a physical game and that is what we have to do," Berg said. "Mike Polidor played great for us. Everyone played hard tonight and gave a great effort"

Air Force, 16-15-2 overall, never trailed in the game. The Falcons struck first as first-team all-CHA forward Derek Olson scored a power-play goal from Berg at 10:44 of the first period. Niagara quickly answered to tie the game at 1-1 less than three minutes later. Chris Sebastian scored his 11th goal of the season from Nick Kormanyos and Barret Ehgoetz.

The Falcons scored two quick goals in the second period and never looked back. Scott Zwiers won the opening face-off of the second period and Brian Rodgers netted his 14th of the season for a 2-1 lead. Forty-five seconds later, Berg scored his first of the game on a rebound in the slot. Shane Saum took a shot from the point that was saved and Berg went top shelf for a 3-1 lead. Niagara's Barret Ehgoetz cut the Falcon lead to 3-2 at the 9:36 mark on an odd-man rush. With the game's momentum in swinging in Niagrara's favor, the Falcons struck again. Derek Olson won a faceoff in the offensive end and kicked the puck back to Brian Reaney. Reaney netted his sixth of the season as he beat NU goalie Rob Bonk high glove side.

Niagara opened the third period on the power play and continued to pepper Polidor with shots and flurries in front of the net. The Falcons withstood the pressure and scored on just their second shot of the period. Berg's second goal of the game and 15th of the season gave the Falcons some breathing room. Saum gave Berg a pass in the neutral zone and Berg rushed up ice on a two-on-one. His wrister beat Bonk high glove side for a 5-2 lead. Niagara's Joe Tallari added a goal with 3:55 remaining to make up the final margin.

Niagara out-shot the Falcons 16-6 in the third period and 36-26 in the game. Most of the shots came on two power plays in the final period. Air Force killed all six Niagara power plays and was 1-for-3 on its own power plays. Polidor stopped 33 of the 36 shots he faced. Bonk made 21 saves for the Purple Eagles.

"This is a marathon for us and we've taken the first step," Serratore said. "We are going to savor this one tonight and then we focus on Wayne State. They are rested and waiting for us, but we've played good against them this season."