Box Score EDMONTON, ALBERTA – The Mount Royal Cougars put forth a valiant effort in a thrilling Game 3 of the Canada West Semi-Final but ultimately fell 3-2 in overtime to the Alberta Pandas, who will advance to the conference finals against UBC.

Mount Royal came out strong in the opening frame, setting the tone early with a goal from Aliya Jomha at 10:10 of the first period. Assisted by Athena Hauck and Alex Spence, Jomha's tally gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission. The Cougars limited Alberta to just four shots in the first period while generating seven of their own.

Alberta responded early in the second period on the power play. Abby Soyko capitalized with a goal at 4:56, tying the game at 1-1. Mount Royal regained the lead later in the period when Jomha struck again at 11:55, finishing off a play set up by Hauck and Abbey Borbandy. The Cougars took a 2-1 lead into the third period, staying disciplined despite Alberta's increasing pressure.

The Pandas ramped up their offensive efforts in the third, outshooting MRU 14-6. Their persistence paid off when Soyko found the back of the net for the second time, tying the game at 15:51. Both teams battled in the final minutes of regulation, but the score remained deadlocked at 2-2, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime lasted just 2:23 before Alberta sealed the win. Kieser netted the game-winner off a feed from Soyko, sending the Pandas to the Canada West Finals. The Cougars were left heartbroken after pushing one of the nation's top teams to the limit.

"It was our best game of the series by far, and might have been one of our best games of the season," said MRU Head Coach Scott Rivett. "Last seven minutes or so we got a bit scrambly as they pushed. Might have felt the pressure a bit, and they were able to capitalize."

Despite the loss, the Cougars demonstrated resilience and growth throughout the postseason. They won Game 1 of the series before Alberta responded with a Game 2 victory, forcing a decisive third game. Jomha, who finished the game with two goals, was a standout performer, while Hauck contributed two assists.

Alberta now prepares for a tough series against the top-seeded UBC Thunderbirds in the Canada West Finals. Meanwhile, Mount Royal will reflect on a season filled with progress and use this experience as motivation for the future.