CALGARY – A back-and-forth third period saw the University of Alberta Pandas come away with a 3-1 victory over the University of Calgary Dinos on Friday night at the Father David Bauer Arena.

Neither team could find the back of the net until the final frame when four pucks crossed the line. Unfortunately for Calgary, they were only able to score once, and with a win by the Regina Cougars, they had their playoff hopes ended.

Calgary falls to 7-12-0-0 on the year and now four points back of Regina who clinch the final playoff spot. Alberta improves to 12-5-1-1 and is now tied with the UBC Thunderbirds for second place in the conference – still with an opportunity to earn a first-round bye.

"When you give such an effort and you're not necessarily getting the result you're looking for, frustration can build," said Dinos head coach Carla MacLeod. "Walking into our room there is a lot more pride than anything else.

"Everyone is showing up for everyone else, we're becoming a team, and it is showing on the ice. For us as a staff, it is really rewarding to see how they have come together as a team and how much they believed."

Alberta opened the scoring at 2:36 of the third period when Natalie Kieser pounced on a rebound in front of Gabriella Durante. 

The Pandas had an opportunity to extend their lead minutes later on a penalty shot, but Kelsey Tangjerd fired wide on the attempt.

The Dinos tied the game up at the 4:51 mark. Annaliese Meier picked up a loose puck from a scrum at the top of the blue paint and lifted it past Halle Oswald.

Alberta responded shortly after, as Megan Wilson faked out everyone. Coming in from the left faceoff circle, Wilson delivered a perfect cross-ice pass to Stephanie Fischer, who picked an opportune time for her first goal of the season.

Kiara Machry rounded out the scoring with a goal on the empty net in the final seconds of the game.

Oswald collected 26 saves for the win, while Durante finished with 25 saves. 

The Dinos and Pandas hold their regular-season finale on Saturday, with a 6 p.m. puck drop at Father David Bauer Arena. Calgary will recognize its graduating athletes during a pregame ceremony.