A hat trick by Nicole McKernan lifted the Aurora University Spartan women's hockey team to a 3-2 thrilling overtime win over Concordia University Wisconsin Saturday afternoon at Fox Valley Ice Arena.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 3, Concordia University Wisconsin 2 - OVERTIME
LOCATION: Geneva, Illinois - Fox Valley Ice Arena
RECORDS: Aurora University 5-16-1, 4-11 NCHA; Concordia University Wisconsin 9-11-1, 7-7-1 NCHA;
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Both teams scored in the first period with AU's Nicole McKernan getting the equalizer with 1:05 to play off assists from Marissa Dunbar and Olivia Matson.
- An early CUW tally in the second put the Spartans down 2-1 as they headed to a power play 3:36 into the second.
- 53 seconds into the extra skater chance, AU lit the lamp. McKernan was the scorer again with assists coming from Lexie Martinez and Hannah Gwillim.
- The final 35:31 of regulation saw both teams have chances but the goalies led by AU's Chiara Pfosi kept the game tied and heading to overtime.
- Late in the overtime session, with only 27 seconds to go and on another power play, McKernan struck for the hat trick. She was assisted by Martinez and Dunbar.
- The jubilant Spartans celebrated on the home ice for the final time this season as they won 3-2.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Points: Nicole McKernan (3)
Goals: Nicole McKernan (3)
Assists: Marissa Dunbar and Lexie Martinez (2)
Saves: Chiara Pfosi (42)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan women's hockey team comes on Monday, February 12 when they travel to Concordia University Wisconsin. Puck drop is set for 1:00 p.m. in Mequon, Wisconsin.