THIS WEEK: vs Calgary; Saturday, Oct 9 and Sunday, Oct 10; 1:00 p.m.; Wright Field
A LOOK AT THE THUNDERBIRDS
The Thunderbirds have to be feeling good about last weekend. They handled Alberta easily, winning 3-0 and 3-1 to move to 4-1-1 on the year, and they generated enough scoring opportunities to have at least a few more goals with some better finishing. Furthermore, thanks to some help from Calgary, they overtook Victoria for top spot in Canada West.
The 'Birds are fielding one of their youngest squads in recent memory, but head coach Hash Kanjee has been impressed with his team's progress in limiting mistakes, and says they have been getting better every game.
Shanlee Johnston, one of the many first-year players on the team, picked up her first two CIS goals against Alberta last weekend. Third-year forward Vickie Pearson was held off the scoreshseet, but still remains the team scoring leader with four goals on the year.
?A LOOK AT THE DINOS
Despite losing their first two games against UBC this year, the Dinos should have plenty of momentum coming into this weekend. They are coming off an excellent weekend at home against the Victoria Vikes, who were then undefeated and leading the conference. The Dinos handed them their first loss on Saturday, with Keara Chicquen providing the heroics. Her first career CIS goal gave Calgary the 1-0 win. On Sunday, the Dinos were behind 1-0 until Penny Cuthbert equalized midway through the second half to salvage a tie for her side.
That strong showing put Calgary right back into the chase for the Canada West crown, as they are now 3-2-1 on the year, three points back of UBC and just one behind the second place Vikes. Since their 4-1 loss in the season opener, they have proved to be a very tough side to score on, allowing only two goals in their past five games. Their defence certainly picked the right time to tighten up, because the T-Birds have scored eight goals over their past three games, and will certainly put the Dino defenders to the test this weekend.
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