This Week: vs Alberta, Sat. October 2 and Sun. October 3; 1 p.m.; Wright Field
A look at the Thunderbirds
After beginning the season with a sweep of the Calgary Dinos on the road, the T-Birds settled for a tie and a loss last weekend in Victoria, which ended a 13-match win streak extending back to last season. They have a great opportunity to regain some momentum this week however, as they will see their first home action of the year against the 0-4 Alberta Pandas. The last UBC-Alberta meeting was last season's McCrae Cup championship game, which the T-Birds won 6-0.
A 2-1-1 record after four tough games isn't bad for the defending national chamipons, considering the T-Birds lost nine starters from last year in the offseason. Fortunately for the 'Birds,
Victoria Pearson hasn't missed a beat since she last played in 2008. The third year forward, who missed last season due to injury, leads the team with four goals in as many games. Sophmore defender
Miranda Mann has two goals, while senior midfielder
Sarah MacAulay and rookie forward
Ceilidh MacLeod each have one. Rookie goalkeeper
Bea Francisco has started all four games in net for the 'Birds, and she has one shutout on the year.
A look at the Pandas
The Pandas will have a shot at revenge this week for their loss to UBC in last season's CIS championship game. That may be easier said than done though, as they are currently winless and have scored just one goal in four games this year. They have also given up at least two goals in each game.Â
Toni Almhjell holds the distinction of being the only Panda to find the back of the net this year, but her teammates have to be hungry to get their names on the scoresheet coming off a goalless home opening weekend against Calgary. If they want another shot at a CIS title this year, the Pandas need to find some offence fast, which could make them a desperate and dangerous team this weekend. The conclusion of this series will mark the halfway point of the season, so if they want to salvage their CIS tournament hopes, they have to start winning immediately.Â
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