Along with that factor, teams tend to play harder towards the conclusion of a season.

In Arizona State’s final homestand of the year, two rivals, with arenas only 15 minutes apart, faced off Friday night.

Needless to say, it was not a surprise to see the Mountain America Community Iceplex packed to the gills, with the tension being as palpable as any women’s club hockey game this year.

With the pressure turned up high, the game met high expectations, with Grand Canyon (16-10-1) squeaking by Arizona State (12-7-1-1) 3-2 on Friday, Feb. 13.

The Antelopes struggled with penalties all game, spending a total of 14 minutes in the penalty box compared to only two on the power play.

That was until a costly roughing penalty on ASU forward Kylie Brown to put Grand Canyon on the power play with just 3:30 to go in the third period. The Antelopes didn’t hesitate to capitalize, as a clutch goal from forward Haley Gray sent the GCU faithful into a frenzy.

To get to that point, two entertaining periods played out first. The Antelopes struck fast and early, with forward Jennae Szucs claiming her team-leading 17th goal of the season.

Both of the Sun Devils’ goals came on the power play, with one coming from defenseman Kelzi Olson in the second period and a late equalizer from forward Breanne Powell in the third. Forward Alyssa Vollmin also netted a goal early in the third period for the Antelopes

The bulk of Grand Canyon’s offense came from their point leaders, Haley Gray and Abigail Grigg. Grigg collected two primary assists, extending her team points lead with 41 on the campaign. 

The two squads will face off again on Saturday, Feb. 14, night in ASU’s home finale.