LIVONIA, Mich. -- In a thrilling five-overtime showdown, the UM-Dearborn women's ice hockey team edged out Indiana Tech 1-0 at Eddie Edgar Arena on Friday (Feb. 21). Despite a slow start with no goals scored through the first three periods the game was decided in the fifth overtime frame, with Cadence Pero scoring the game-winning goal at 1:45.
The first two periods were marked by strong goaltending on both sides, with Indiana Tech's Isabel Varner stopping 34 shots and UM-Dearborn's Kenna Borso saving all 42 shots she faced. The teams were evenly matched defensively, but neither could capitalize on their power-play opportunities, with both teams going 0-for-4 and 0-for-2 on the man advantage, respectively.
As the game progressed into overtime, it seemed like the tension would build to a crescendo. After the game was in a stalemate for the first four overtime periods, UM-Dearborn began to take advantage of the open ice in the final stanza. Cadence Pero, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, received a perfect opportunity after collecting a loose puck behind the Warriors net. She took matters into her own hands, netting the unassisted game-winner just 1:45 into the extra frame, securing her team's 1-0 victory.
The win advanced the Wolverines to the semifinals of the CCWHA Tournament, where they will face Miami (OH) on Saturday at 1 p.m.