LONDON, Ont. – Marlowe Pecora scored two minutes into overtime to give the Western women's hockey team a 3-2 victory over the Guelph Gryphons in their season opener at Thompson Arena Friday night.

The win, the first for Kelly Paton as head coach of the Mustangs, gives Western a measure of revenge after falling to Guelph in last year's McCaw Cup Final.

It was an even contest throughout, with both teams scoring once each in the first and second period. The Gryphons' first goal was scored on the power play by veteran forward Kelly Gribbons early in the first period to give Guelph the early lead. It was the first of seven power play opportunities the Gryphons had on the night, and was the only one converted into a goal as Western played well on the penalty kill throughout.

"In any hockey game, especially in the female game, special teams is huge" coach Patton explained in regards to frequently playing on the penalty kill, "Especially when we're in London, we find we play a lot of the game in special teams situations. PK and defensive side of the puck is how you're going to start your offence".

Western tied the game late in the first period on a goal scored by rookie forward Shana Alexander. The referees got together after they play to discuss whether the puck was kicked into the net, but eventually deemed the goal valid. While it wasn't pretty, she was still excited to have her first goal as a Mustang under her belt. "It felt amazing," Alexander said after the game, "I'm overwhelmed".

Mustangs forward Amanda Pereira and Gryphons forward Mackenzie Wong scored in the second period to keep the game tied heading into the third period.

Western goalie Katie Jacobs and Guelph's Valerie Lamenta saved all nine shots they faced in the third period, sending the game to overtime where Pecora scored the game winning goal after a scramble in front of the net.

Western looks to win back-to-back games to start the season when they travel to Windsor to play the Lancers on Thursday, October 13, at the South Windsor Arena with game time set for 7:30 p.m.