The Colorado Grit came into Friday night looking to take game one of the back to back against
Amarillo. Despite a gutsy performance and comeback the Grit fell just short in overtime,
dropping a 4-3 decision to the Amarillo Wranglers.

Colorado came out with energy in what was a physical period. They fired 11 shots on net,
testing Amarillo’s goaltender early and often. Despite generating quality chances, the Grit
couldn’t solve the Wranglers’ defense, leaving the first period locked in a 0-0 stalemate.

Amarillo broke through first, as Marc LaFrance found twine at 11:51, capitalizing on a defensive
breakdown by Colorado. The Wranglers barely had time to celebrate before the Grit answered
back. Just a minute later, defenseman Luke Helgeson stepped up, burying the goal and tying
the game up for the Grit. However, Amarillo regained the lead late in the period, sending the Grit
to the locker room trailing 2-1.

Colorado wasted no time turning the tide in the final frame. Just 59 seconds in, Sheldon Rioux
buried a shot to tie the game. Then, only 15 seconds later, Landon West struck putting the Grit
ahead 3-2. The Wranglers responded with a goal from Jake Boulanger, leveling the score once
again. Both teams battled down the stretch, but regulation ended deadlocked at three.

Overtime was as intense as expected, with both teams trading blows. However, at 2:02,
Amarillo’s Alexander Aleslov found the back of the net, sealing the win for the Wranglers.

Despite the tough loss, Colorado secured a valuable point and will have a shot at revenge in
Saturday’s rematch.