The Ooks walked away with a 5-1 victory on Friday and were looking for a two-game sweep tonight as they returned home for the second half of a home and home with the SAIT Trojans.
Early In the first period, the Ooks came out fast, and the Trojans had trouble matching their intensity. The Ooks were getting pucks and bodies to the net, making things difficult for Trojans goaltender Ali Kieren. Ooks had success attacking off the rush and creating in zone off the cycle; SAIT was on their heels for most of the opening frame. Trojans did an excellent job, cleaning up any garbage in the crease and not allowing the Ooks to get to the blue paint. The Ooks continued to control the first period, but Kieren stood tall, stopping all 18 shots she faced. Trojans went to the man advantage late in the period but could not muster anything together, and it remained scoreless after one.
In the second, the Ooks continued to pepper Kieren with shots. The Ooks were relentless on the forecheck and forced turnovers, leading to more chances. Bre Martin rang a shot off the crossbar, and moments later, Cassidy Shandro re-directed a shot on net, but Kieren made an outstanding glove save to keep it scoreless. Trojans got into penalty trouble late in the second, but the Ooks couldn't find a way to beat Kieren, who has been the game's story so far. The Ooks have dominated through forty minutes but have nothing to show for heading into the final period.
The third period was very similar to the first two. Ooks had the Trojans hemmed in their end for most of the period. The Ooks were finally able to break through, thanks to Payton Basterash. Sher banged home a loose puck to give the Ooks a 1-0 lead. The Ooks were hungry for more as Bre Martin rang her second crossbar of the night. The Ooks held SAIT to only two third-period shots and hung on for a 1-0 win. Havana Batke made 11 stops for her first shutout of the season. The Ooks improve to 11-1-2 and now have a three-point lead on Red Deer for first in the ACAC.