VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds found themselves down 1-0 heading into the third period versus the Lethbridge Pronghorns, but thanks to pairs of goals from
Amanda Asay and
Tatiana Rafter, the 'Birds ended up on the winning side of a 4-1 result at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
UBC head coach Nancy Wilson spoke about her team's gutsy effort to correct some mistakes from early in the game and turn things around.
"The team showed lots of character tonight," said Wilson. "I thought once we got into the offensive zone we did well, but we gave up the neutral zone in the first and second period. If we can put pressure on their D like we did in the third period, that's where we're going to be successful."
Asay scored her first of the night when she beat Pronghorns' goalie Crystal Patterson to a loose puck, skated around the keeper, and had a clear break to an open net. That tied the game following Courtney Minor's tally for Lethbridge to open the scoring in the first period.
Asay's second goal went five-hole on Patterson, a weak goal that chased the netminder from the cage in favour of Shauntelle Williams.
"The past two or three series, Asay has really stepped up her game," said Wilson. "She understands the game, she plays her position well, she anticipates very well, she breaks out of our zone very well. She's playing well, and been rewarded."
Rookie forward
Tatiana Rafter also had a pair of goals, her eighth and ninth of the season, keeping her in the team lead. Rafter fired a rocket of a wrister from point blank to give the Blue and Gold their fourth goal of the night.
"Rafter has great hands, and a quick release. She had a beautiful goal tonight, and she's had a couple this year already," commented Wilson. "Rafter's been working hard, and doing a better job on the defensive side of the puck. When our team works hard on the defensive side of the puck, they get opportunities on the offensive side."
The game-winner came when Rafter pounced on a puck that
Laura Jordan had put to the net. Jordan has seen limited ice time this year, but had a strong performance against Lethbridge.
"Jordan was given the opportunity, she stepped up, and she did a great job," said Wilson.
Melinda Choy was another standout, making 29 shots and keeping her team in the game while they worked to find their touch on offence. Most remarkable about the win is that the T-Birds are down seven players due to injury.
"These [injured] kids are begging the doctor to let them play," chuckled Wilson. "The kids who are playing are inspired by the kids who are sitting off. They're playing hard for them. Our bench is not down. They're showing a lot of character and I'm very proud of them."
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