The UBC Thunderbirds women's field hockey team lost its season opening game, 1-0 the host University of Alberta Pandas in Edmonton this afternoon.
The Pandas' Kincso Santha scored the only goal of the contest in the 47th minute when she knocked home a rebound past UBC goalie
Bea Francisco (Richmond, BC), who had made the original save on Alberta's Nicole Laskovsky following a skirmish in front of the Thunderbirds' net.
Minutes later, the Pandas came within inches of going up 2-0, but a long range shot hit the post beside Francisco to keep the advantage at one.
“A lot of them didn't bring their best today,” said UBC head coach Hash Kanjee referring to his players. “We can still be much more competitive.”
The Thunderbirds received their best opportunity to score with eight minutes to play when they were awarded a penalty shot, but Alberta Tory Spencer was more than equal to the task, batting down the high attempt to preserve the win.
“We found our legs and were better in the second half but couldn't get the tying goal,” said Kanjee, who singled out Francisco for her strong play in the Thunderbirds' net.
UBC (0-1) and Alberta (1-0) meet again at noon on Sunday in Edmonton to complete the season-opening weekend series.
