VANCOUVER – The No. 4-ranked UBC Thunderbirds worked hard for their chances but could not convert their opportunities as they tied the Manitoba Bisons 0-0 Friday night at Thunderbird Park.

The T-Birds (2-0-1) carried the play for most of the match creating numerous opportunities but could not find the back of the net as a resilient Bisons squad (0-1-2) would not crumble under UBC's relentless attack.

UBC head coach Mark Rogers was impressed with his team's work ethic but felt his side should have converted.

"It's one thing to play with a strong work rate but it's another thing to play with good quality," said Rogers.

The new-look UBC defence stood up well against Manitoba's attack that was not without chances of their own. Rogers was pleased with the efforts of his back line who combined with new keeper Meghan Best for the T-Birds' second clean sheet of the season.

"We have (first-year player) Alisha Penev stepping into a huge role and I thought she played brilliantly," added Rogers.

After a first-half that saw few scoring chances for either squad the sides traded legitimate scoring chances in the second. After UBC carried the play for the first 30 minutes following the break, Manitoba found life and created a number of scoring opportunities.

Manitoba's Carrie Nash sent a dangerous ball through the UBC goalmouth that found the foot of Paula Fast but her low shot was saved by a sprawling Best in the 77th minute. That chance was followed by long shot that looked to be bound for the back of the UBC net but Sarah Haiko's shot sailed just high out of the UBC keeper's reach.

The T-Birds would not give up the fight for extra points easily, as the Bisons' surge seemed to ignite the T-Birds and resulted in a pair of glorious chances.

First, in the 87th minute, a Rachael Sawer corner was taken on the half-volley by Natalie Hirayama, whose shot bent out of reach Manitoba struck keeper Laura Harrison but struck the crossbar. The T-Birds looked to have found the winner when, just before extra time, Janine Frazao sent a cross into the box that was run on to by Jordan Kitigawa. The defender's first timer deflected to striker Lisa Furutani who slid the ball clear of Harrison but also wide of the far post.

UBC put nine shots on Harrison but the Manitoba keeper was well-positioned all evening as many UBC shots found her waiting arms. Best was not without work either as she turned away five Bisons shots, all in the second half.

The Thunderbirds continue their home-opening weekend on Saturday against the Regina Cougars (1-1-1) while the Bisons travel to Langley to face undefeated Trinity Western (3-0-0).