Lethbridge – The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns, coming off a sweep of the University of Alberta Pandas in Edmonton last weekend, were set to take on another Canada West powerhouse, the University of Manitoba Bisons, Friday night at Nicholas Sheran Arena. The Bisons looked to upset the #10 ranked Pronghorns but despite being outshot 35-18, the ‘Horns managed to hold on for a 3-2 win.
Pronghorn goals were scored by rookie Sadie Lenstra, who continued her awesome rookie campaign with two on the night, and Horns leading scorer Shelby Ballendine. Maggie Litchfield-Medd and Kristin Cockerill scored for the Bisons.
Boxscore
A down-low cycle in the offensive zone allowed Lethbridge to open the scoring. First year forward, Sadie Lenstra, taking a pass from fellow rookie Kirsten Reeves, beat Manitoba net-minder Leiette Klassen for her fifth of the season at 9:09.
Patterson looked sharp early; making 13 saves in the first including a great wraparound attempt by Nellie Minshull and a blistering shot from veteran Addie Miles on an early Bisons power play opportunity.
Nearing the halfway mark in the second period, Maggie Litchfield-Medd patiently out-maneuvered Patterson and scored stick side to knot the game up at one a piece.
Looking to reclaim the lead, Lenstra unloaded a rocket wrister that hit the crossbar and deflected high and over the net. The Pronghorns continued to increase the pressure on Klassen but would fail to convert as she held strong between the pipes.
Towards the end of the period, a Lethbridge goal had the crowd on their feet but was immediately waved off due to a player being in the crease. Minutes later, a deflection by Shelby Ballendine would be the difference maker, however, as the puck was tipped past an outstretched Klassen, unable to get into position.
Despite an offensive push by the home team, shots through two favored visiting Manitoba, 25-13.
Patterson continued to be tested in the third, facing shots from Meagan Vestby, Nellie Minshull and captain Addie Miles but a Manitoba penalty gave the ‘Horns a 5-on-4 opportunity and Lethbridge capitalized quickly as Lenstra netted her second of the game from Beattie and Mucha at 6:54.
The Bisons answered right back with a power play goal of their own, scored by Caitlin MacDonald at 13:29, making it a one goal game.
The win marks the third straight for Lethbridge, who sit alone atop the Canada West division (7-2-0 CW) while Manitoba holds onto fifth spot (2-3-2 CW). The Horns will look to maintain their stranglehold on first place in the division with the second half of the two game series between the ‘Horns and Bisons going tomorrow night. Game time is 7:00pm at Nicholas Sheran Arena.
