In the 2019-2020 season opener and first game under new Head Coach Jackie Kooistra, the Aurora University women's hockey team rallied from down 1-0 to win in overtime 2-1. The win marks the second straight season AU has opened up 1-0 and give Kooistra her first collegiate coaching victory.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Aurora University 2, Nichols College 1 - overtime
LOCATION: Dudley, Massachusetts
RECORDS: Aurora University 1-0; Nichols College 0-1
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Midway through the opening period the Spartans were a woman down when the hosts scored on the power play to lead 1-0.
- The game remained 1-0 heading to the third period despite the Spartans out shooting Nichols 28-19.
- After continuing to dominate puck possession in the third period but just couldn't find the back of the Nichols net.
- With 5:47 left in the game, the Spartans went to the penalty kill.
- One minute into the kill, AU was able to tie the game. Lexie Martinez tied the game with a shortie and was assisted by Taylor SIms.
- A late Spartan flurry was unsuccessful and the game headed to overtime knotted 1-1.
- The Spartans dominated overtime, winning all three faceoffs and on the fifth shot of the period, all from AU, Sims lit the lamp.
- Sims scored 1:49 into overtime with assists from Sadie Parton and Olivia Monzel.
- Chiara Pfosi stopped 30 of the 31 shots sent her direction for the victory.
 
SPARTAN STAT LEADERS
Points: Taylor Sims (2)
Goal: Lexie Martinez and Taylor Sims (1)
Assist: Taylor Sims, Olivia Monzel and Sadie Parton (1)
Saves: Chiara Pfosi (30)
Face offs: Taylor Sims (16-of-23)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan women's hockey team comes on Saturday, November 2 when they take on Nichols College. Puck drop is set for 12:40 pm (cst) / 1:40 pm (est) in Dudley, Massachusetts.