CALGARY – The second-seeded UBC Thunderbirds are off to a perfect start to the CIS championship tournament after downing the Alberta Pandas 2-0 for their second win on Thursday at the University of Calgary's Hawkings Field.
 
Newly-crowned CIS Player of the Year Robyn Pendleton scored the game-winner for UBC in the 22nd minute on a fabulous individual effort. She made a long run down the right wing before slicing her way into the circle and cracking a backhanded shot past Pandas goalkeeper Tory Spencer from the top of the circle.
 
"That was great to see, and I think that just might set the tone for a few more from her this tournament," said UBC head coach Hash Kanjee.
 
She nearly added another just before the end of the half, but her redirection attempt went just wide of the post as one of several near-misses for the T-Birds in the match.
 
"We just couldn't put the ball in the net, and it seemed to be a bit of an issue, but we were much better in the second half," said Kanjee. "Their goalie was called to make two really good saves, we hit the post on one, missed two narrowly, so we're getting the shots and chances. I'm not upset about not getting more goals because think we were doing the right things and if we keep doing that the goals will come."
 
Abigail Raye scored UBC's second of the game in the 62nd minute off her own penalty corner. After she put the ball in play it eventually found its way back to her at the side of the net, and she swatted it home out of midair to make it 2-0 UBC.
 
It's just the second CIS match of the season for Raye, with the first coming earlier today, as she has been battling a rib injury all season.
 
The UBC defence that puzzled the defending champion Toronto Varsity Blues earlier on Thursday was back in fine form against Alberta. The 'Birds allowed just one shot on goal in the match, and the Pandas' lone penalty corner chance was their best scoring opportunity of the game.
 
Spencer made five saves for the Pandas, all in the second half. Bea Francisco needed just one save to earn her first shutout of the tournament.
 
The T-Birds are the early frontrunners after day one of the tournament thanks to their 2-0 record. They will take on the host Calgary Dinos on Friday at 10 a.m. before finishing their round-robin schedule against Guelph on Saturday at 12:20 p.m.
 
Alberta starts the preliminary round 0-1 and will look to bounce back tomorrow against Guelph at 12:20 p.m. They finish the round with matches against Toronto and Calgary on Saturday.