A draw felt like a win Wednesday for the Bartlett Golden Bears, who clinched a trip to the state tournament with the tie.
The Bartlett and West boys battled to a 1-1 Cook Inlet Conference tie at Bartlett High, a result that clinched third place in the standings with one regular-season match to play. By earning one point for the draw, Bartlett has just enough cushion to deny fourth-place Service a shot at the state tournament.
"We got the point we needed to qualify," Bartlett coach Matt Froehle said. "I think it's the first time ever."
The CIC's top three teams will advance to the state tournament next week. Dimond and South, the top two teams in the league, already clinched berths.
Bartlett led 1-0 at the half on Chase Alexander's goal. West tied it in the 44th minute with a goal by Morgan Smith.