SASKATOON - The No. 7 ranked University of Saskatchewan Huskies overcame a two goal deficit to defeat the visiting UBC Thunderbirds 3-2 Saturday in Saskatoon's Rutherford Rink.
With the win the Huskies move to 14-5-3 on the season and remain in third place in the Canada West with two games left in the season. UBC falls to 7-14-1 and sits just one point behind the fourth and final playoff spot. A night earlier, the Huskies downed the T-Birds 7-1.
"It was a really good game tonight," said UBC head coach Nancy Wilson. "Our players really dug deep and we had them hemmed into their end for long stretches. In the end, we came up short in terms of capitalizing on our opportunities which has been a problem all season long."
UBC came out flying scoring two quick goals in the first period.
Rayna Cruickshank opened the scoring just 2:21 into the first period on an unassisted goal. Teammate
Kelsey Kirkham gave her team a two goal lead just 4:20 later.
The Huskies got back in the game late in the period thanks to Canada West leading scorer Breanne George's power play goal at 17:29. With just 14 seconds left in the period Huskie veteran forward Shaye Christiansen tied the game at two.
It wasn't until late in the second frame that the tie was broken. Kelsey Tulloch found a pass from Julie Paetsch and slid it into the net with just 50 seconds left in the period. It gave the Huskies the 3-2 lead and the eventual win.
Veteran Huskie netminder Vanessa Frederick stopped 19 of the 21 shots she faced in the game.
Katie Schertzer started the game for the Huskies and allowed all three goals making 10 saves.
Melinda Choy entered the game to start the third period stopping all 13 shots she faced
The Huskies will take a week of rest before closing out their regular season with a home-and-home with the University of Regina Cougars. UBC travels to face the University of Calgary Dinos next weekend.
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