VANCOUVER – The Simon Fraser University Clan defeated the UBC Thunderbirds 5-4 in penalty kicks on Tuesday night in Burnaby to claim the 2009 Challenge Cup. Cassie Young scored the winner for the Clan after teams played to a 0-0 draw through regulation time.

It was SFU's third victory in the 13-year history of the game. UBC now leads the all-time series 9-3-1.

The T-Birds, who used a mix of starters and reserves in their starting 11, found themselves on their heels in the first 45 minutes with the host Clan dictating the pace of play.

UBC back-up keeper Leah Peric earned the start and made all three of her saves in the first half as the Clan pressed to open the scoring.

The second half saw the T-Birds respond with more purpose and they had a number of chances to take the lead but SFU keeper Cassie Newbrook was equal to the task, making two big saves to keep the game scoreless.

The shootout proceeded to an extra round as the two teams were knotted at 4-4 through their first five shooters. After UBC's sixth shooter hit the crossbar, SFU's Young netted the winner into the top corner.

UBC returns to the pitch this weekend in a pair of vital games in the Canada West playoff race, as they host the Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday and the third-place Alberta Pandas on Saturday. Both games are scheduled for 5 p.m. kick-offs at Thunderbird Park.