VANCOUVER- A well-struck shot off a set-piece separated the scoreboard between the UBC Thunderbirds (5-2-4) and Trinity Western Spartans (9-0-2) on Friday night at Thunderbird Stadium. Isabella Di Trocchio's free kick from 25 yards in the 68th minute sailed over the outstretched right hand of UBC keeper Marlee Maracle and sealed the deal for the Spartans.
 
"We were the better team, we created more chance, we were on our front foot," said UBC Head Coach Jesse Symons. "Unfortunately we didn't do that last little bit to create a goal."


 
The win puts the Spartans six points clear of UFV in the Canada West Pacific standings, all but assuring them of being the number one seed from the division. UBC will certainly now open the Canada West playoffs on the road, as they are fourth in the Pacific with 19 points on the season.
 
The game seemed destined to be a draw after 'Birds midfielder Amelia Crawford hit a half volley from 15 yards into the back of the Spartan goal in the 61st minute. The goal finished off a neat passing play with 'Birds midfielder Reetu Johal.
 

Kick off is underway vs @TWUwsoc pic.twitter.com/nypRd5NZmq

— UBC Women's Soccer (@ubcwsoc) October 15, 2016

 
The marker countered a goal by Trinity Western's Rachel Hutchinson in the 31st minute to open the scoring.  Hutchinson took advantage of Maracle's miskick and made no mistake driving the ball low into the right corner of the net.
 
"The two goals they scored, one was a great set piece goal so credit for that," said Symons. "One was a mistake that rarely ever happens. Overall, I'm pleased we were the better team tonight, but the game can be cruel sometimes with the result."


 
The game was rematch of last year's CIS final, also played at Thunderbird Stadium, which saw UBC claim a 3-0 victory and a national championship.
 
UBC will welcome UFV to Thunderbird Stadium tomorrow in another huge Pacific division match-up. Trinity travels to Victoria for a Sunday afternoon match-up with the UVic Vikes.