SHELTON, Conn. — In the first contest of the three-game Commissioner's Cup series, the Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team couldn't take the lead in overtime against LIU, dropping a 3-2 contest on Tuesday. 

After being knotted at zero through the first period, the scoreboard didn't get any love until first-year Paige McNeil knocked in her fourth goal, assisted by Alexa Ocel and Anna Klein 49 seconds into the second.

The Pioneers would hold the 1-0 lead until the Sharks' Megan Roe capitalized on a powerplay to even the game halfway through the period. Goaltender Frankie Sanchez had the save of the day with 7:38 remaining, when she caught the slap shot in her glove as she went to her knees.

Kelly Solak, assisted by Anna Klein and Nicole Guidi, converted on the powerplays after the Sharks had too many women on the ice and a cheap hit on the board set up a three-on-five SHU advantage with 41 seconds left in the second. 

The Pioneers led into the final period until LIU's Carriga Umperville sent the Sharks' second goal past Sanchez, which resulted in overtime.

The Sharks' Julia Hoffman ended the 3:03 in the extra period for the victory. NEWHA tournament regulations require the teams to battle it out on the ice for up tothree 20-minute OTs until the first puck makes it home.

Sacred Heart travels to Long Island on March 4 for the game, with a 2 p.m. puck drop.

The third game, if necessary, is scheduled for March 5 at 3:00 p.m. on LIU's ice.