The Matchup
Every U SPORTS field hockey season, the UBC Thunderbirds and UVic Vikes navigate a collision sport towards one another for Canada West supremacy. That collision happens this weekend when the two storied programs meet at UBC's Wright Field.
With UBC holding a three-point lead in the Canada West standings, it doesn't take a mathematician to realize the six points up for grabs this weekend, with only four games left on the schedule for both teams are massive.
This is a excerpt from the game preview written when UBC went up against the Vikes in Victoria to open up the season:
In 2017, the Canada West champion will earn the right to host the U SPORTS national championship, making the games virtual 'must wins' for both squads.
UBC took four of the possible six points in that series, propelling them to the top of the Canada West standings.
Last Action
The 'Birds are coming off a bye week after a weekend sweep over the much improved Calgary Dinos on Septemeber 23 and 24.
Victoria is also coming off a sweep of the Dinos last weekend. Both games were 1-0 'squeakers' played at the University of Calgary.
By the Numbers
2 – the number of All-Canadian level goalies the 'Birds have in their crease. UBC head coach
Robin D'Abreo embarrassment of riches in the nets includes last year's U SPORTS championship game hero
Gabriella Switzer and Canadian national team member
Rowan Harris. They have lead the 'Birds to a stellar .75 goals against average in 2017.
18-1 – the Thunderbirds' record over their last 19 games played, dating back to the 2015-16 season. Their one loss came to Guelph in the opening game of the 2015-16 U SPORTS championship. The 'Birds were able to recover from that setback and go on to win their fifth straight national championship.
Players To Watch
Abbey MacLellan – back from a severe facial injury suffered last year, MacLellan is providing a well-rounded game for the Thunderbirds.
Sarah Goodman – the freshman midfielder scored her first two career goals, including the game winner, in UBC's 4-2 win over Calgary.
