Byron Center, Michigan — Seven minutes to midnight, the Aquinas women's hockey team skated off the ice at the Southside Ice Arena after suffering a 2-1 loss to Lake Superior State.

The late night affair was pushed back to a 9:52 opening puck drop following the conclusion of the AQ men's hockey game and Senior Night that was played beforehand.

The Saints (7-14-1, 5-8 CCHWA) gave up a goal to the Lakers (7-16, 5-8 CCWHA) with 5:50 remaining in the third period in a conference game that could have gone either way.

Both teams scored in the opening period. Chloe Boyko broke the scoreless deadlock and gave LSSU the lead with 7:36 remaining in the period. Lindsey Tonello and Sophie Gibbs were credited with the assists. Aquinas responded less than four minutes later when graduate student Natalie Vaitas knocked the puck in off an assist from Anna Castle.

It was Vaitas' sixth goal of the season and 25th of her AQ career. Castle collected her second assist of the season.

A long stalemate then ensued. No one scored in the second period and thoughts of a midnight overtime session started to creep in the longer the final frame remained tied at 1-1.

Eventually, Kallen Micolo found the game-winning goal with 5:50 remaining. Heather Lamb provided the helper.

LSSU outshot Aquinas 45-26. AQ goalkeeper Ashley Suske made 43 saves to keep the Saints within striking distance.

Aquinas ends the regular season with Senior Day on Saturday (Feb. 18) in a rematch against Lake Superior State. The Saints will honor the following three seniors: Madison Morgrette, Morgan Kozar and Vaitas. Puck drop is schedule for 4:30 p.m. at the Southside Ice Arena.

UPDATE: The game time has been pushed back two hours and will now start at 6:30 p.m.