HARRISVILLE, R.I. -- Faced with adversity, the Castleton University women's ice hockey team came back from a one goal deficit and tied Nichols College 1-1 in a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon at Levy Rink.

There was plenty of action in the first period of play but neither team could find the back of the net. The Spartans (9-7-1) put a plethora of shots on goal but goaltender Abby Bassett turned away all 13 shots. The Bison (2-9-3) also had opportunities to put a tally on the board but Katlyn Hathaway, earning her second start this season, saved all 12 shots she faced.

The Bison broke through and took the lead at the 4:07 mark of the second period. After the Spartans were called for a slashing penalty, the Bison took advantage. Mel McAleer sent a pass across the face of goal and Jordyn McGuire scored right in front of Hathaway off the tip to give the Bison a 1-0 lead.

The Bison would hold a 1-0 advantage throughout the rest of the second period as the team continued to bombard the Spartans with shots. Hathaway however, recorded 12 more saves during the period as the deficit remained at one heading into the final period of play.

The Spartans would finally break through as Kaitlin Bardellini scored to tie the game at one with only 1:05 off the clock in the third period. Samantha Munroe's initial shot from the blue line was saved by Bassett but Bardellini was in the right place at the right time and scored on the rebound to even the score.

Relentless pressure from the Bison continued throughout the third period and during the overtime period. The Bison put 20 shots on goal in the third period and eight during the five-minute overtime period but Hathaway was determined as she kept the game tied.

Hathaway finished the game with a career-high 52 saves as the Bison outshot the Spartans 53-33.

Women's ice hockey returns to action Wednesday, January 15 as it travels to Worcester, Mass. as it takes on Becker College in a non-conference match up starting at 7:10 p.m.