WINNIPEG – Kylie Lesuk netted a hat trick – with two of those three goas coming in the third period – to power the Manitoba Bisons to a 4-1 win over the University of Calgary Dinos women's hockey team Saturday afternoon from Wayne Fleming Arena.

Manitoba got the scoring started with a goal just over six minutes into the game. After winning a faceoff in the Dinos zone, the Bisons passed the puck around before Camille Enns got a good look and fired. Gabriella Durante was there for the save, but Kylie Lesuk pounced on the rebound for her fourth goal of the year.

Calgary nearly answered back on a number of occasions, outshooting Manitoba 11-9 in the first, but couldn't convert on either of their power-play opportunities.

Chances were few and far between in the second. The Dinos created a moment late in the second that sent Bisons goaltender Emily Shippam spinning on her back, but Shippam was able to get enough of the puck to keep the door shut.

After several strong attempts on goal, the Dinos found the equalizer five minutes into the third period. Emma Tait fired a shot that beat Shippam over the shoulder. 

Before Calgary could finish enjoying the celebration, Lesuk bagged her second of the game less than a minute later to give the Herd the lead once again. 

Lesuk wasn't finished just yet. With six minutes to go, she completed the hat trick to put the Bisons up 3-1. Linemate Julia Bird got in on the fun a minute later when she scored her first of the campaign, putting the game on ice. 

Manitoba is now 4-2 in its last six games after a 2-6 start to the season. The Bisons head to Edmonton next weekend to take on the Alberta Pandas for their last pair of games before the New Year.

Meanwhile, the Dinos travel to the opposite edge of the conference map for two games at UBC, starting Friday.

-UC-