The University of British Columbia Athletics

VANCOUVER – Facing their third top-10 opponent in a row, the No. 8-ranked UBC Thunderbirds edged the No. 9 University of Alberta Pandas 2-1 in Vancouver on Friday night at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
 
BOX SCORE

Alison Campbell opened the scoring for Alberta but Sarah Casorso scored twice after that for UBC.
 
Danielle Dube made 25 saves, including on a penalty shot by Janelle Froehler late in the game, to give the Thunderbirds the victory.

At the midpoint of the first period, a sprawled Dube miraculously saved a shot by Alberta by extending her leg into the air to block the shot with her pads. 
 
Shortly after that close opportunity, Alberta managed to capitalize on another chance. At 12:29, a pass from the boards was crossed over to middle of the ice in front of Dube and in mid-air was chipped of Campbell over her right shoulder into the back of the net. Alberta had drawn first blood.
 
In an instant rush of momentum off the second-period draw, a shot by Thunderbird Nicole Saxvik rang off the post and would righteously serve to set the tone for UBC's gameplay throughout the frame.
 
Skillful stick checking and strong pressure on the part of Haneet Parhar contributed to the Thunderbirds' fortunes in Alberta's zone throughout the game. Sarah Casorso would also display her adept stick checking skills for UBC on the defensive end.
 
At 15:41, a pass from Saxvik behind the net landed with perfect precision to Casorso on the slot with plenty of time and space to launch a high blocker-side shot precisely into the net. At last the score was even at a goal apiece.
 
The third period opened with electric pressure by Alberta on offence but team failed to capitalize.
 
UBC would capture the lead when Casorso sent a pass through the Panda defence to Hannah Heisler in front of the goal, her shot was blocked but Casorso shoved the puck through Jeffries and across the goal line.
 
With UBC holding a one-goal lead, Froehler broke in on goal and was knocked down from the side, earning a penalty shot. However, Dube stopped her on the ensuing attempt and the score remained 2-1 in favour of the home team.
 
Desperation would fuel a forceful offensive push by Alberta in the last few minutes of the third frame as they fought to tie the game. Saves by Dube and fearless shot blocking by the 'Birds would successfully stunt the attempt and secure the win for UBC, marking their first two-game winning streak of the season.
 
The Thunderbirds went 1-for-5 on the penalty kill while Alberta went 0-for-5.
 
Alberta goaltender Michala Jeffries stopped 24 of the 26 shots she faced on the night.
 
Both teams stand at 4-2-1 and will faceoff again on Saturday night at 7 p.m.
 
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