VICTORIA – A rainy game that seemed destined to end with a third-straight tie between the UBC Thunderbirds and Victoria Vikes took a late turn on Saturday, as UBC's Margaret Pham scored off a penalty corner to lead the Thunderbirds to victory at the UVic Field Hockey Turf.
 
The two teams opened the season with a pair of 1-1 ties in Vancouver, their first time facing off since UBC stole a 3-2 shootout victory from the Vikes at last year's nationals in Victoria. Saturday's game was another heartbreaker for the Vikes, who move a game back of UBC (3-0-2) in the standings at 2-1-2.
 
The weather didn't do either team any favours. The downpour that started early in the morning continued throughout the game, making the field tough to navigate and slowing down the pace.
 

Rookie @margpham (a.k.a. Nemo) scores the only goal of the game for a 1-0 win against @uvicvikes !!!

— UBC W Field Hockey (@ubcwfieldhockey) October 8, 2016

 
"I was happy with our effort but still feel we have more work to do to consistently create and capitalize on offensive opportunities," said UBC Head Coach Robin D'Abreo. "UVic were an excellent team today and I felt they were unlucky not to convert on many of the strong chances they were able to create in both halves. I look forward to another tough game tomorrow."
 

#UBC women's field hockey with a big 1-0 win over @uvicvikes today. Rematch tomorrow at 11am. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/tyWcl52Oux

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) October 8, 2016

 
Pham's goal, the result of a net-front scramble in the 62nd minute, came off of a penalty corner and put a mark on what had otherwise been a terrific afternoon for Vikes keeper Larissa Piva. In a game that saw constant back and forth, Piva and UBC goalkeeper Gabriella Switzer stood out.
 
"I think our goalie made some really great saves," said UVic Head Coach Lynne Beecroft. "We were unfortunate not bury a couple of chances that we had on them but they obviously had way more penalty corners so they could have had more goals in that respect.
 
"We're going to come out with a little more intensity tomorrow and give them a run for their money."
 
The two teams will hit the pitch again Sunday at 11:00 AM.
 
 
October 8, 2016
SCORING SUMMARY
 
FINAL
Victoria            0  0 – 0
UBC                 0  1 – 1
 
GOAL SCORERS
UBC – Margaret Pham, PC, 62', 1-0 UBC
 
GOALKEEPERS
VIC – Larissa Piva 70 MP, 1 GA
UBC – Gabriella Switzer 70 MP, 0 GA
 
CARDS
VIC – Emily Wong (26'), Kathleen Leahy (70')
UBC – None