Even when it looked bleak, hope remained alive for the Diamond Energy Female Midget 'AAA' Wildcats and that little bit of hope helped lead them to a game one victory over the Regina Rebels.

Trailing the Rebels 2-1 in the final minute of the third period, Wildcats forward Shelby Ballan found the back of the net with just five seconds left to play, sending game one of their best of five Saskatchewan Female Midget 'AAA' Hockey League quarter-final series to overtime.

Following 41:45 of overtime, and into the third extra session, Janessa Fournier became the Wildcats hero netting the game winning goal.

The Rebels initially took a 1-0 lead midway through the first period with a power-play, which turned out to be the only tally of the opening frame.

Early in the second, the SFMAAAHL's Rookie of the Year and Scoring Champion, Taylor Lind put the Wildcats back on even ground scoring her first goal of the playoffs.

The tie, however, did not last long as the Rebels regained their one goal lead just under four minutes later.

Despite the Wildcats outshooting Regina 20-7 over the course of the second and third period, they were unable to find the tying goal until Ballan came through late.

Swift Current will now head home for game two of the series on Saturday, looking to take a 2-0 strangle-hold.

Puck drop for game two is scheduled for 7:45pm Saturday night from Fairview West.

Game three will go back in Regina on Sunday.