CALGARY – The UBC Thunderbirds (3-1-0) remained unbeaten in 2017, beating the Calgary Dinos (0-0-2) 4-2 on a warm Sunday at Hawkings Field.
The second game of the weekend series consisted of stronger play by the T-Birds with augmented confidence in performance of the Dinos.
"I thought we did well today to secure the result, which was important given the changes to our competitive format this season," said UBC head coach
Robin D'Abreo. "We played well in the first half, both creating and converting some quality chances. Calgary however, put us under pressure in the second with two unanswered goals and it was a good test for our young team."
UBC freshman
Sara Goodman scored the first goal of the game through a penalty corner in the 16th minute. Following that, T-Bird
Margaret Pham scored the second goal through a penalty stroke. Goodman scored the third penalty corner goal during the 27th minute of the match.
The Dinos scored both of their goals early in the second. Calgary forward Jenna Bower and midfielder Chloe Keeler-Young scored field goals within minutes of one another.
Sarah Keglowitsch gave the 'Birds an all-important insurance goal when she scored from the field in the 60th minute.
Dinos goalkeeper Madison Arbuckle executed an excellent performance during the first half of the game; she efficiently side swept and blocked two near goals by the T-Birds, with the ball being aimed towards the bottom right of the Dinos net.
During the 31st minute of the match, Calgary's Chloe Keeler-Young made an impressive attempt at scoring a field goal into the T-Birds' net, with the ball sliding past the net while touching left post.
"Seven out of the sixteen athletes dressing this weekend were first year players and I was happy with how each of them pulled through," added D'Abreo. "The experience will serve to build their resilience as well as increase the level of urgency heading into training this week. We look forward to working on deficiencies in our game that were exposed by both Calgary and Victoria over the last two weekends. I'm confident we can and will be better."
"There was more spirit, the girls were not on as edge and there was more composure plus determination," said Dinos head coach Peter Taylor. "They really picked it up during the second half. I feel more confident about next week as we've had these two good games."
The Thunderbirds will have a bye week before hosting the UVic Vikes at UBC's Wright Field on October 7 and 8, which promises to have massive implications on who will ultimately win the Canada West title.
SCORING SUMMARY
UBC –
Sara Goodman PC, 16:00, 1-0 UBC
UBC –
Margaret Pham PS, 20:00, 2-0 UBC
UBC –
Sara Goodman PC, 27:00, 3-0 UBC
CGY – Jenna Bower FG, 50:00, 3-1 UBC
CGY – Chloe Keeler-Young FG, 54:00, 3-2 UBC
UBC –
Sarah Keglowitsch FG, 60:00, 4-2 UBC
GOALKEEPERS
UBC –
Gabriella Switzer 70 MP, 2 GA
CGY – Madison Arbuckle 70 MP, 4 GA
