For Aquinas head coach Ron Mimick, Tuesday’s class C2 state semifinal game against Lutheran High Northeast was a little closer than he would have liked, but he’ll take the outcome as the Monarchs defeated Lutheran High Northeast 42-41 in overtime.

The win sends Aquinas back to the state finals to defend their state championship against Sutton next week at Memorial Stadium.

Aquinas (12-0) took a 27-14 lead over the Eagles into halftime and then increased their lead to 35-21 after the third quarter. Lutheran High Northeast scored 14 unanswered points in the final quarter to send the game into overtime.

Seth Hoffman scored from one-yard out giving Aquinas the lead at 42-35. Lutheran High Northeast’s Kenny Blank scored on a one-yard run putting the score at 42-41 with a two-point conversion looming to be the final play of the game. The run failed, sending Aquinas back to Memorial Stadium.