VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds women's rugby team clinched a Canada West playoff berth with a fantastic win at Wallace Field over the University of Victoria Vikes. The Thunderbirds headed to Victoria needing a win of more than seven points to gain qualification for the post-season. Seven points proved no problem as UBC racked up 63 points to Victoria's 17, a winning margin of 46 points.

It was UBC's largest margin of victory since a 46-0 win over the Vikes on Oct. 25, 2009 at the Canada West championship.

"We reached our full potential in this do-or-die game," said UBC head coach Maria Gallo. "We had to execute our game plan and play hard-up rugby. Hard-up offence and hard-up defence. Simple rugby wins."

Annie Arnott opened the scoring with a try early on, and the momentum only grew from there. It didn't take UBC long to grab a couple more, and by half-time the scoreline read 27-5. Tiffany Picketts of the Vikes was able to grab their lone score of the first half but it was a consolation more than anything. The game was well and truly under UBC control by this time.

The second half continued in much the same vein. UBC continued to put up points and lots of the team seized the opportunity to cash in on some glory. Annabel Arnott, Jennifer Blume, Haley Glendinning, Gabrielle Hindley, Cassidy Gale (2), Ciara Malone (3) and Catherine Ohler (1 try, 5 conversions, and 1 penalty goal) all cashed in and got their names on the scoresheet.

As sweet and as comfortable as this victory was, UBC know they have plenty more work to do in preparation for the play-offs, which start Oct. 18. The women have next weekend (Thanksgiving) off and will use it to get some extra training sessions in and prepare themselves for the next test.