VANCOUVER -- The UBC Thunderbirds proved that their 3-2 win on Friday over the eighth-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies was no fluke, as they came back on Saturday and completed the sweep with a 4-3 win at the Doug Mitchell Winter Sports Centre.
Lisa Bonang had the game-winner for UBC, as she managed to bang the puck through a crowd at the side of the net and past Huskies goalie Vanessa Frederick with three minutes to go in the game. That put the 'Birds up 4-2, and although Breanne George's second goal of the game cut the lead to one in the final minute, the home side was able to hang on for their second straight win.
"We lost a few games early in the season and I think other teams see that and maybe think we aren't as strong as we are," said UBC head coach Nancy Wilson. "We surprise a lot of teams out of the gate. We have to earn this league's respect and we are beginning to do that."
The Huskies led 1-0 after the first intermission, and George doubled that lead early in the second period with a powerplay goal, but the man-advantage turned out to be not much of an advantage at all for Saskatchewan on Saturday. The T-Birds responded with two straight short-handed goals late in the second to even things up.
First it was
Jenny Mahovlich breaking in on goal and making a superb move to her forehand before flipping the puck past Frederick to get UBC on the board.
Three minutes later on another Saskatchewan powerplay,
Tamara Pickford found herself on a clear breakaway from centre ice. She deked to her backhand to get Frederick sliding across the crease and then tucked the puck in five-hole to tie the game at two.
It was the first time the UBC women's hockey team scored two short-handed goals in one game.
"I thought they showed a lot of character tonight, coming back from 2-0," said Wilson. "Good teams find a way to win and we capitalized on some of Saskatchewan's mistakes. Saskatchewan is a very strong team so I am really proud of our effort tonight."
The 'Birds then took the lead early in the third, when
Alisha Choy found
Serina Swanson open in the slot. Swanson collected Choy's pass from behind the net and roofed it, leaving Frederick with no chance to make a save.
"I think this weekend has really shown the fruits of the labour of these girls," said Wilson. "They have totally bought in to what it is we want to do and they are enjoying themselves."
Kelsey Tulloch had the opening goal for Saskatchewan.
Melinda Choy made 21 saves to pick up the win for UBC, while Frederick had 17 saves in the loss.
The T-Birds will remain at home next weekend to play the Regina Cougars, while Saskatchewan will be in Manitoba to take on the Bisons.
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