VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds earned a weekend split with Victoria on Sunday at Wright Field, capitalizing on two penalty corner chances to take a 2-1 decision and move to 4-2 on the year.
The T-Birds couldn't have been too comfortable even after forging ahead 1-0 early on Sunday, having dominated most of Saturday's match but coming away with nothing to show for it.
Katie Jameson put them on top with a goal off a penalty corner in the sixth min, and although the 'Birds did hang on for the win on Sunday, head coach Hash Kanjee knows that missed opportunities could have cost them yet again.
“We played a better brand of hockey. I thought we played as well as we did yesterday but we got some results, and could have got a few more goals, but by not scoring those, we left the door open for them,” he said.
It was an important win for his side, as a loss would have seen Victoria pull even with them in the standings. Instead, the 'Birds keep their grip on first place in Canada West at 4-2.
“Three points is great after yesterday, when we dominated but came up with nothing,” said Kanjee. “It would have been really hard to focus had we not got the win today. Even a tie would have felt like a loss.”
The Vikes tied the game up early in the second half after being awarded a controversial penalty corner chance, but the 'Birds jumped back in front soon after.
Robyn Pendleton did well to win her side a penalty corner with a nice run down the wing and into the circle, and Jameson converted the chance yet again, one-timing the ball home inside the near post out of mid air.
“Robyn is playing great, and when she is going well she adds a different dimension to our game,”' said Kanjee. “Katie played very well too, and we also got fabulous service from
Natalie Sourisseau,
Sarah MacAulay and
Miranda Mann at the back.”
Kaitlyn Williams had another stellar day in goal for the Vikes, turning away several quality UBC scoring chances to keep her team in the game.
The 'Birds now have some breathing room atop the standings as the only Canada West team with more than two wins. The Vikes fall to 2-4 but are just two points out of second place. They are on the road to take on Alberta next week.
The T-Birds are also on the road next week for two games against Calgary.
-30-
