Although it was a loss, the Austin girls hockey team had plenty to feel good about in a 3-2 shortcoming at Mankato West, which is ranked No. 6 in Class ‘A’, Thursday.

The Packers (1-2-1 overall, 0-2 Big Nine) just missed a chance to force overtime as time expired.

“The puck got to the goalie’s stick side before she could turn and we almost knocked one in on the open net as the buzzer sounded,” Austin head coach Denny Bray said. “It was close.”

Audrey DeVries racked up 46 saves against the Scarlets, who didn’t score in the third period.

“This is like a win to us,” Bray said. “We’re real happy with this.”

Carley Grunewald scored with just under 13 minutes left in the game to make 3-2, but the Packers, who had 27 shots on goal, couldn’t find any more goals as they were hit with a penalty with two minutes left.

Austin 1 0 1 — 2

MW 2 1 0 — 3

First period

(MW) 6:32 Katy Kvasnicka (Jana Christensen, Vanessa Lloyd)

(MW) Amanda Probach

(A) 14:32 Abby Gallaher (Kennedy Thompson, Vanessa Talamantes)

Second period

(MW) 15:12 Kvasnicka (Lloyd)

Third period

(A) 4:47 Carley Grunewald (Kirsten Stanek, Ashley Arhart)