VANCOUVER - The conference-leading UBC Thunderbirds women's soccer team (4-1-0) is off to the Interior this weekend to face off against the UBC Okanagan Heat (1-2-3) and the Thompson Rivers WolfPack (2-3-1).

The matches mark the first and only times the T-Birds will compete against both teams in the 2015 regular season. The last meetings between UBC and their provincial rivals were nearly one year ago with UBC dominating both squads in back-to-back shutouts at Thunderbird Stadium. 

There will be plenty to prove on the pitch this weekend as all three teams are seeking crucial mid-season wins. 

"Playing at home or away means no difference with regards to our preparation and focus," said UBC head coach Marisa Kovacs. "We want to win regardless of where we are playing and hope to get six points this weekend on the road."

While the Thunderbirds are hoping to keep their win streak alive following a pair of home victories last weekend over Alberta and UNBC, the WolfPack and Heat are looking to add some much needed points to their total.  UBCO, on the hunt for their first win since September 4, will need to find a way to increase their offensive pressure. While the Heat have been solid defensively, they've only managed a goal in each of their six matches this season.  The team did shut down Trinity Western in a 1-1 draw on Sept. 18 in Langley.

"Playing on the road is always tough but we are ready for the challenge," said Kovacs. "UBCO is coming off a quality result against TWU and I know they will be a strong opponent."

TRU will also be looking to get on the scoreboard early after being shutout last weekend by both Fraser Valley and Trinity Western.

"This weekend should be a real test against Thompson Rivers University," Kovacs said. "We know we need to be prepared for a 90-minute battle."

Two fifth-year players on the TRU roster were named Canada West Stars of the Week earlier this month: Danielle Faueux and Jaydene Radu. Radu, a forward, has an impressive four goals and two assists in three games. 

UBC comes into the weekend having given up a league-low two goals in five games. Olivia de Goede (Victoria, B.C.) currently leads all Canada West goalkeepers with three shutouts.

Five players have goals for the Thunderbirds so far this year, led by third-year forwards Amrit Berar (Richmond, B.C.) and Jasmin Dhanda (Surrey, B.C.), who have both found the back of the net twice. Dhanda leads the conference with 24 shots towards goal.

Last week's matches showed the team's ability to command offensively, as the T-Birds had a 13-0 advantage in shots on goal over UNBC 13-0 and a 7-1 count against Alberta. Still, if the Thunderbirds want to ensure success in the Okanagan, they will have to make their shots count. Last Saturday's 1-0 victory over UNBC showed how elusive goals can be when up against good goaltending. 

"This weekend I would like to see my team execute our game play on both sides of the ball," said Kovacs. "Last Saturday, we got away from the things that have made us successful thus far and we need to refocus moving forward to this weekend's games."

The Thunderbirds will square off against UBC Okanagan at 2 p.m. (PT) on Saturday, September 26. They'll then head to Kamloops to face Thompson Rivers at 2 p.m. (PT) on Sunday, September 27. 

UBC will host the 2015 CIS Women's Soccer Championship Nov.12-15 on David Sidoo Field at Thunderbird Stadium.