FREDERICTON, N.B. – UOIT's first game on their Atlantic Canada tour up against St. Thomas University ended in a 2-1 overtime decision in favour of the Tommies.
 
"We played better as the game went on," said head coach Justin Caruana. "It was a good test to start the trip and we are looking forward to getting back on the ice tomorrow."
 
The defending AUS finalists scored the game's opening goal 12:33 into the first period as Rachel Michielin cashed in on the power play, beating UOIT goaltender Cassie Charette (Ottawa, Ont.).
 
The lead was short-lived as Kassidy Nauboris (Brampton, Ont.) found the back of the net with eight seconds to go in the period. It was all third year players recording points as Chelsea Ball (Maple, Ont.) and Teresa Horner (Hamilton, Ont.) had the assists.
 
Over the next 40 minutes, the goaltenders stole the show as the game headed to overtime tied at 1-1.
 
In the extra frame the difference was special teams. Despite a number of chances UOIT failed to score on an early power play. After Samantha Forchielli (Hamilton, Ont.) took an interference penalty six minutes into OT, fifth-year senior Kelty Apperson netted the game winner.
 
UOIT was 0-for-4 with the man advantage while St. Thomas was 2-for-6. The Tommies outshot UOIT 26-18.
 
Charette played the first half of the game stopping 11 of 12 shots. Tori Campbell (Saskatoon, Sask.) came into the game in relief and suffered the loss allowing the game winner after stopping the first 13 shots she faced.
 
UOIT will travel to the Island on Saturday to take on the UPEI Panthers at 3 p.m. followed by an afternoon affair against the Saint Mary's Huskies on Sunday in Halifax, N.S.
 
QUICK LOOK AT THE RIDGEBACKS
Overall Record: 0-0-1
Conference Record: 0-0-0
 
Next Game: Saturday, Sept. 23 vs. UPEI (3 p.m.)