Briana Paxon scored in OT Friday night as Rivier downed Anna Maria.(File photo courtesy of Rivier University)

WORCESTER, Mass. — The Rivier University women’s ice hockey team took down the AMCATS, 2-1 in overtime at Buffone Ice Arena Friday to record their first win of the season versus Anna Maria in dramatic fashion.

With 22 seconds left in OT, Riv’s Tia Picardi advanced the puck to Jillian Halle finding Briana Paxson in the offensive zone to slap in the winning goal.

The Raiders move to 9-9-3 overall and 4-3-2 in Eastern Collegiate Hockey Alliance (ECHA) action, while Anna Maria falls to 8-10-4 overall and 5-2-2 in ECHA matchups.

It wasn’t until 12:34 in the second period when the first goal of the contest was recorded by August Otto of Anna Maria, with assists credited to Julia Ballinger and Carissima Heinis.

Molly Dukesherer took advantage of the power play opportunity given to the Raiders, pushing in a goal at 18:40, unassisted and evening the score, 1-1.

The third period was scoreless, sending the contest into overtime.

Rachel Hinkley made 38 saves for Rivier this evening, playing a huge part in the win.

The AMCATS outshot the Raiders by two, 39-37.

Anna Maria will travel to Nashua today to have a rematch with the Raiders at Conway Arena with a 3:10 p.m. puck drop. Riv will celebrate Senior Night to honor Heather McHatton and her three years of dedication to the program.

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