Box Score
Lethbridge – A three point night from rookie Sarah Spence helped the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns earn a weekend split against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, winning 4-3 in overtime.
Jenna-Marie Durnin and Kirsten Reeves each earned a marker for the Pronghorns while Sarah Spence finished, scored twice, including the overtime winner and also registering an assist.
Chelsey Sundby, Cami Wooster and Rachel Johnson each earned goals for the Huskies.
In net for the Pronghorns was Crystal Patterson, who stopped 31 of 34 while Cassidy Hendricks turned aside 28 of the 32 she faced.
Game two of the weekend series was the exact opposite of the previous night close checking 2-1 Huskie victory, with action frantic at both ends of the rink.
An early ‘Horns 3-on-1 rush was unsuccessful as Hendricks reacted quickly to stonewall rookie Jocelyn Sabourin’s attempt to beat the net-minder in close.
Moments later, Marley Ervine was looking to make it two goals in as many games, as a favourable turnover in the neutral zone saw her burst out into the attacking zone, streaking hard left but Lethbridge’s Patterson was in position to make the save and keep the game scoreless.
Durnin would draw first blood for the home team, from Van Buskirk and Bailey, at 14:28. A 2-on-1 situation saw her opt not to pass to Reeves and instead shoot the puck low blocker side, beating Hendricks.
But the Huskies would answer right back. Julia Flinton’s hard shot from the half wall was redirected by Sundby in front of the crease past Patterson, who was unable to react on time.
The Huskies would add another before the end of the first period, as a 3-on-1 rush surged into the ‘Horns end. Kicking the initial effort wide, Patterson was unable to stop Wooster’s great second effort, sneaking an off angle shot in from the side of the net.
Reeves would tie things up for the ‘Horns midway through the second with a hard top-shelf wrister that soared past the unsuspecting keeper at 9:02.
Tension soared in the third frame as both teams were looking for a go ahead goal. Sisters’ Cami and Cara Wooster, who each registered seven shots on the night, couldn’t manage to beat Patterson in close but line-mate Johnson’s follow-up effort would be the difference-maker as she notched her fourth of the season, lifting the Huskies back on top, if only momentarily.
Fighting hard for the puck along the boards, ‘Horns first year forward Spence broke away with the puck and took to the net, dangling backhand to forehand, she skillfully lifted the puck up and over Hendricks’ right shoulder, once again re-balancing the score at three’s.
It took less than a minute for a victor to be decided in overtime. A scramble in front of the Huskies net saw a flurry of bodies hacking away at the loose puck, each desperately seeking the game winning goal. Spence would be credited with her second unassisted goal of the night at 0:44, earning her team the extra point.
With this win, the ‘Horns improve to 5-6-3 while the Huskies fall to 4-7-3. The ‘Horns return to action next Friday at Nicholas Sheran Arena when they host the University of Calgary Dinos in the first of a home and home series. The Huskies travel to Calgary next weekend to face off against the Mount Royal Cougars for a two game series.
