Crystal Schuder had a big game for the Penticton Murray GM Pinnacles Sunday against Kamloops.
Schuder netted a hat trick, including the equalizer in the final minute for a 5-5 draw at Kings Park.
“It was back and forth the whole time. The heat was a factor in the game for both squads,” said acting Pinnacles coach Carlos Mendonca, who filled in for Ray Hintz. “You have to work twice as hard defending. It’s easy to play with the ball than without.”
What impressed Mendonca about the Pinnacles’ performance was the character they showed battling back. Before the first half ended, Mary Kampman scored from 30-yards out to head into the half trailing 2-1. To start the second half, Kamloops scored to make it 3-1. Schuder scored twice to bring the Pinnacles to 3-3.
“With her speed and shot, she was just lots of troubles for the defenders,” said Mendonca of Schuder.
Kamloops scored on a penalty shot to take a 4-3 lead, then Emily Jones evened the Pinnacles at four.
Kamloops’ fifth goal was scored with five minutes remaining on an individual effort that impressed Mendonca. The Kamloops forward beat two Pinnacles defenders before making her way around the Pinnacles keeper for an easy tap in goal.
Sharing time in goal for the Pinnacles were Caitlyn Spooner and Emily Edmundson.