TIgers fall to Huskies in OT

HALIFAX, N.S. — The Dalhousie Tigers fell 6-5 in overtime to Saint Mary's Huskies on Friday night, despite rallying with four third-period goals.

The first period started with Dalhousie winning the initial faceoff, but it was Saint Mary's who found the back of the net first. Leslie Cuddihy scored at 9:40, assisted by Charlotte Buffie and Gillian Lapierre, giving the Huskies an early lead. Dalhousie had several shot attempts, but Ridleigh Hansen was effective in goal, making saves on shots from Elaina Pilkington, Abby Larkin, and Casey Beisel. Grace Beer was also busy in the Dalhousie net, stopping numerous shots, including attempts from Mia Faseruk and Jillian Duggan. The period ended with Saint Mary's leading 1-0.

Avery Cant scored twice for the Huskies early in the second period, first at 1:25 with an assist from Marisa McClocklin, and again at 3:59 assisted by Keyara Nelson, extending their lead to 3-0. Jillian Duggan added to the lead with a goal at 13:20, assisted by Lapierre and Cuddihy, pushing the score to 4-0. Dalhousie responded with a power play goal by Lexie Small at 16:34, assisted by Addison Kramer and Larkin, bringing the score to 4-1. Despite Dalhousie's efforts, the Huskies maintained their lead through the period.

In the third period, Dalhousie mounted an impressive comeback against the Huskies, starting with Avery Holmes scoring twice within the first eight minutes. Holmes' second goal at 8:21 was assisted by Ava Boyle and Pilkington. Saint Mary's responded quickly with a goal by Nelson at 10:20, assisted by Mackenzie Beggs and Anna Barrington. Dalhousie continued their scoring surge with Larkin finding the net at 11:47, assisted by Jill Imeson and Emmerson Gormley. Mollie Power sealed the comeback with a goal at 12:32, assisted by Beisel and Leah MacSween, leveling the game at 5-5. Despite multiple power play opportunities towards the end, Dalhousie could not convert, concluding the period in a stalemate.

Anna Barrington scored the decisive goal for the Huskies just 53 seconds into the overtime period, securing a 6-5 victory over Dalhousie. The play was set up by assists from Duggan and Lapierre. Dalhousie's Madison King made two saves in the early moments of the period, denying shots from Nelson and Duggan, before conceding the final goal. The overtime ended abruptly with Barrington's score, marking her first goal of the season.

Avery Holmes led the team by scoring twice on four shots. Abby Larkin contributed with a goal and a helper, adding a blocked shot to her performance. Mollie Power and Lexie Small each found the net, with Power converting on her only shot of the game while Small took four shots. In goal, Grace Beer recorded 20 saves in her appearance.

The Tigers return to the ice on Saturday at the Homberg Centre.