The Toronto Sceptres posted an important 2-1 overtime victory on Tuesday over the New York Sirens in a game that marked the first career start for netminder Carly Jackson. The atmosphere was heightened by the presence of the goaltender who is a fan favorite.

Although the game saw the teams trade chances throughout, the defense stood tall for both sides .

Play was tentative through the early going, but at 6:07 a Daryl Watts wrist shot hit a Sirens defender and went over New York starter Kayle Osborne's shoulder for the opening goal. Watts had scored all three of the Sceptres' last goals against New York.

Late in the first, a similar floater from Ella Shelton found the back of the net through a screen to even the score. Shots were 13-10 for the Sirens.

Shelton said the key to her goal was the prolonged offensive zone pressure that the team has made a priority.

"Once we got in the zone we made two or three line changes and Ally (Simpson) made a great pass across, and with a good screen in front it makes it easy to shoot and find some corners that are open."

In the second, the teams skated for stretches with no whistles but the uneven passing and lack of urgency flow prevented any offense from developing. The shots were even at seven each.

In the third, Toronto increased their level of determination and took it to the Sirens both physically and offensively. The teams took some liberties with hard hits on both sides and four penalties, including a roughing call on Renata Fast that required a review. Her high hit on Noora Tulus eventually ended up with a two-minute call for a hit to the head.

One of New York’s penalties continued into overtime, with Toronto playing four on three, but still, neither team could find the game winning goal, and the contest went to a shootout.

Natalie Spooner was the heroine of the moment, scoring on the Sceptres’ first attempt, and Jackson held strong in goal, stopping all of New York’s shooters. Spooner went out for a second time, and scored on Osborne, while Jackson stopped Alex Carpenter and the celebration was on for the home team.

"To be honest, it wasn't different than a normal day with how my teammates showed up for me, respected me, and found a way to win," said Jackson after the game.

"I just feel really excited and proud that I got to physically contribute tonight. I had a lot of fun."

Coach Troy Ryan said the celebration in the dressing room was similar to winning a championship, all centered around Jackson and what they mean to the team.

"I don't know if anybody has a #3 goalie that has the impact on their players, on their team, or the organization and their whole fan base like CJ does. Just a special player."