The York University Lions women's hockey team welcome the Western Mustangs on Saturday night at Canlan Ice Sports, in what was a solid night for both the present and future of the Lions program.

York was aiming for a bounce-back victory after a tough loss to the Windsor Lancers on Friday. With both teams close in the standings, York looked to secure its fourth win, while Western – just a point clear of York in the OUA West standings coming in – sought its fifth.

Natasha Lange netted her first OUA goal just over three minutes into the game, assisted by Natalie Mamone to give York a 1-0 lead. Fellow rookie Isabela Huculak doubled York's advantage at 18:52, with Ginger Fast and Emise Grande drawing the assists. The Lions closed out the first period with a 2-0 lead, outshooting Western 10-9.

The Mustangs answered back late in the second period, narrowing the gap to 2-1 with a goal from Madelaine DesRosiers at 15:03. The Lions were able to hold onto the lead for the final 4:57 of the second and led 2-1 after 40 minutes of play.

Early in the third, Western's Maria Shea evened the score at 2-2. York swiftly regained the lead thanks to Fast, who fired a shot past Western goalie Ella Brabrook for her first OUA goal, with Alexa Giantsopoulos adding the assist, as rookies accounted for all three of the Lions goals. With York leading 3-2 and just over a minute remaining, DesRosiers struck again, beating Emma Wedgewood to tie the game and send it to overtime.

2:35 into overtime, the Mustangs completed the comeback. Second-year player Adeline Kristoff scored her first of the season, with DesRosiers earning an assist for her third point of the night, to secure a 4-3 Western win.

LOOKING AHEAD:

The Lions will travel to Western for a rematch on November 15. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm., as the Lions look to avenge this overtime loss.