Rustlers win vs Huskies with 8 Seconds Left in OT

Lloydminster, AB - The final game of Saturday evening had the host Lakeland Rustlers facing a familiar North Division rival in the Keyano Huskies. The winner would advance to face the Trojans, while the loser would be done.

Just a view minute in, Marissa Mestre volleyed the ball in for the Huskies to draw first blood. Lakeland tied the game with 3:30 left in the first half on a Cierra Nuttall goal, but the Huskies came right back with Addyson Maclean to regain the one-goal lead.

In the second, Natalie Orellano put the Huskies up 3-1, putting the Rustlers in a tough spot, but the hosts began working their way back, scoring with 1:45 left on a Pluhator strike to get within a goal. A few flurries of action in the final minute led to a full-court heave from Lizzie Mcleod, mishandled by Keyano, leading to Leah Rioux tying the game with less than 14 seconds on the clock.

An exciting overtime period then occurred, with both teams getting chances to score. Lakeland got a penalty shot with less than 30 seconds in the second overtime, but Gracey Smithson was not able to capitalize. Then, with Keyano staying in foul trouble, Darien Pluhator made the most of another penalty attempt with just 8 seconds left to send the Rustlers to the semifinals.

Keeper Tyson was the Huskies' POG, while Pluhator earned the nod for the hosts.