The University of British Columbia Athletics

Vancouver, BC - Returning to their winning ways, the UBC Thunderbirds blasted away to an impressive 6-3 win over the visiting Manitoba Bisons at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre on Friday night. The win serves to re-affirm UBC's offensive prowess and their overall position atop the conference standings. They carry forward with an improved record of 17-5-1, while Manitoba drops to 13-6-4.


 
Leading 1-0 after the first period on a goal from Nicole Saxvik, it didn't take long into the second period for the T-Birds to bolster themselves to a 3-goal lead. Two consecutive goals in the first five minutes from Melissa Goodwin and Emily O'Neill put the 'Birds in full control.
 
The 'Birds kept it coming in the third period, registering an additional three goals to earn the 6-3 victory. Singles each came from Saxvik, Tatiana Rafter, and Rebecca Unrau. Saxvik finished with a game high four points.
 
"Tonight, with a pressure forecheck, we were able to maintain possession and create quality scoring opportunities – that's what worked for us tonight offensively," said Nicole Saxvik, who contributed 2 goals and 2 assists to the win. "Returning from an off weekend, we worked really hard in practice the past week on the little things like winning our one-on-one battles, and that really paid off for us tonight, too."
 
"Last weekend was a wakeup call for us to play a full 60 minutes, to play as a team, and to each individually play our roles, so that's what we implemented in tonight's game. And tomorrow we'll need to come out with even more intensity because the Bisons will be seeking redemption. We need to be prepared to compete that much harder," commented fourth-year forward Nikola Brown-John.
 
UBC converted twice on six powerplays, while Manitoba was unsuccessful on three.
 
Thunderbirds netminder Danielle Dube earned the win having stopped 25 of 28 shots she faced. Amanda Schubert, who replaced Dee-Ana Marion after UBC led 3-0, made 16 saves.
 
The two challengers will meet again tomorrow for another afternoon game at 2:00 pm at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sport Centre.