CALGARY – The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds rolled into Calgary pumping 43 shots on goal, defeating the University of Calgary Dinos, 4-1, Friday night, Oct 13 at the Father David Bauer Arena.
"The girls played great and we don't often say that this early in the season," said UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "We played a very consistent game."
The first period was a showcase for offense as both teams got in on the action. The Thunderbirds opened the scoring early, as a point shot from UBC defender Madison Patrick took a deflection before beating Roberts stick side.
Three and a half minutes later, the Dinos tied the game on a beautiful deflection by second year forward Sage Desjardins. On the power play, defender Katie Duncan fed her D-partner Morgan Loroff who threw a wrist shot along the ice that Desjardins tipped perfectly over the shoulder of UBC goaltender Tory Micklash.
The Thunderbirds grabbed back their lead for good, thanks to a lengthy 5-on-3 power play. The two-man advantage only lasted 19 seconds, as Brie Bellerive finished off some beautiful passing, sniping the puck short side shelf on Roberts.
Only one goal was scored in the second frame, and it saw UBC build their lead. Flying off the bench was Thunderbirds Emily Coastales, who managed to one-time a tough pass, beating Roberts far side, making it 3-1.
The Dinos were unable to test Micklash much in the middle stanza, where their greatest chance came from forward Holly Reuther, who had a good scoring chance in the slot, but was denied by Micklash, maintaining the two goal lead heading into the third.
Just over six minutes into the final frame, the Thunderbirds added some insurance. Forward Tiffany Chiu capitalized on a neutral zone turnover, as she led a 2-on-1 into the Dinos zone before beating Roberts glove side to make it 4-1.
By the end of the game, Roberts stopped 39 of 43 shots on goal, and made a number of highlight reel saves in the loss, as the Dinos were outshot 43-16.
"We managed the puck really well for sixty minutes and we played as a team," added Thomas.
Roberts will start for the Dinos tomorrow when these two teams complete the weekend series as they battle in a matinee affair at the Father David Bauer Arena.
