TORONTO - The Ryerson Rams women's hockey team failed to grab all three points as they lost to the Brock Badgers 4-3 in overtime on Thursday. 

The Rams now fall to 10-6 on the season, but the single point they earned in their overtime loss bumps them to third in the OUA with eight games left to play this season.

The opening period was a dominant one for Ryerson, and Emily Baxter (Oakville, Ont.) got the Rams started with a fast-break goal assisted by Avery Horlock (Pickering, Ont.). Keeping the pressure going was Laura Ball (Toronto), who fired a wrist shot into the top corner from the blue line to give the Rams a 2-0 lead. The Rams also had two penalty kills and still managed to win the shot battle for the period.

Despite the Rams having five more shots in the second, Brock was able to capitalize on the Rams' mistakes and punish them with their speed and quick passes. Badger forward Niamh Haughey found the net shortly after the break, then Mikayla Flanagan punished the Rams going bar-down on another Rams giveaway. It was 2-2 going into the third.

The third period consisted of six penalties, which opened up plenty of game-winning opportunities for both teams. Erika Crouse scored a power play goal in the opening minute, which makes the Rams forward tied as the OUA's leading scorer with 11 goals this season. With Brock trying to stay alive, Badger forward Cassidy Maplethorpe found the net on a four-on-four play and sent the game to overtime. 

Despite the Rams fighting hard to kill yet another power play in overtime, the Badgers finally finished the game off with a goal by Morgan Dezell shortly after. 

"It stings, but it makes us better for the next time we'll be in a situation like this, in overtime," said Rams head coach Lisa Haley who emphasized the importance of small details in overtime.

A standout from the Rams on Thursday was definitely the penalty kills that managed to fend off all seven power plays of the game. "I think our penalty kill is tenacious, we're willing to put everything on the line which is something we are known for," said veteran defender Laura Ball post-game, playing a large part in the Rams penalty kill success. 

A standout performer from the Badgers came as no surprise with Brock goalie Jensen Murphy tallying 30 saves against the Rams. Murphy comfortably leads the OUA in saves with 429 and sits third in save percentage. 

The Rams will be back in action on Saturday as they take on the 7-5 Western Mustangs on Mattamy Home Ice at 2:15 p.m. for the team's annual Do It For Daron game. Catch the game on OUA.tv.