CALGARY – The UBC Thunderbirds kicked off the 2011 CIS field hockey championship with a 2-1 win over the top-seeded and defending champion Toronto Varsity Blues on Thursday at the University of Calgary's Hawkings Field.
 
The Thunderbirds got on the board in the 22nd minute when Cassie Tayler got a stick on a long cross into the circle by Natalie Sourisseau, tipping the ball in from short range, giving Toronto goalkeeper Kathryn Williams no chance to react.
 
The 'Birds looked fully in control of the match, generating scoring chances consistently throughout the contest, but only managed one more goal from Canada  West Rookie of the Year Sarah Keglowitsch in the 41^st minute.
 
Her low shot from the middle of the circle held up as the game winner, and turned out to be the only difference between the sides on the scoreboard, despite UBC's significant advantage in offensive pressure.
 
"There were some good things from us today but I'd hoped that we could have taken some more of our other chances too. But we're okay with that. The win is good to start with," said UBC head coach Hash Kanjee, adding that he was very pleased with his side's tight defensive performance.
 
Things got a little too close for comfort for the 'Birds late in the game when Toronto cut the lead in half seemingly out of nowhere. Alexandra Thicke banged the ball home with six minutes remaining after a scramble suddenly erupted around the UBC goal, but the 'Birds were able to hang on the rest of the way and secure the win.
 
"I thought Sarah at the back played especially well, Abi Raye helped us both in defence and midfield, and Natalie of course is a workhorse and gave us lots of work in midfield and on the forward line," Kanjee said.
 
UBC forced six saves out of Williams in the match, compared to just one for T-Bird goalkeeper Bea Francisco. The 'Birds also had six penalty corner opportunities while the Varsity Blues had none.
 
Both sides return to round-robin action later today, with the T-Birds squaring off against Canada West rivals Alberta at 3:30 p.m., followed by Toronto against Guelph at 5:30.
 
Round-robin play continues through Saturday, with the bronze medal match scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday, and the gold medal match at 1 p.m. Sunday. All games are at the University of Calgary.