The UBC Thunderbirds begin their bid for an historic eighth straight National Championship title this weekend against their rival University of Victoria Vikes. UBC will host the season opener at 11:00 a.m. PT Saturday, with game two slated for 11:00 a.m. PT Sunday - both games at Wright Field.
 
Not only will the 'Birds look to extend their thirteen-game unbeaten streak against the Vikes, they'll strive to extend the Thunderbird lead over UVic in the inaugural Legends Cup series between the two schools. UBC Women's Rugby and UBC Women's Soccer each scored early season victories in the rivalry series, giving the Thunderbirds a 4-0 lead over Victoria in the multi-sport challenge. 


 
"The legends cup is an exciting new tradition," says first-year Thunderbird Head Coach Poonam Sandhu.  "We're just thrilled to have the opportunity to to contribute towards the cup! UBC and UVic have such a historic rivalry, so it's nice that we get to celebrate that."
 
Sandhu will be right at home at Wright Field this weekend, as the former Thunderbird captain takes over the helm after earning her sixth title in a row with the 19-time National Champion T-Birds. Five of Sandhu's National Championships were as a player, her last in 2017 as an assistant coach, so the former U SPORTS All-Star and All-Canadian is looking forward to continue her winning ways. "Being a part of UBC is a great feeling especially when you have such a rich history. The season is tough, and every game we play matters. We have to take it day by day and focus on our own team goals."


 
Aside from the Strait of Georgia, there's little separating the two B.C. teams. Although UVic's last outright victory against the Thunderbirds was back in October of 2015, their last 13 head-to-head battles saw the Vikes earn 5 ties along with a loss in penalties and a loss in overtime. Lindsay Cole will be one to watch for UVic, as the 2017 Canada West All-Star and U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian is returning for her fifth and final season with the Vikes. Cole's leadership will prove invaluable to a youthful team that includes thirteen first and second year players.
 
"Playing Uvic is always an exciting match," admits Sandhu. "But we know to stick to our plan and focus on one game at a time. It's a short season and every moment counts, so we can't take anything for granted."
 
UBC's fifth-year veterans Rowan Harris (2017 U SPORTS and Canada West player of the year), Emily Martin, and Alyssa Nonis will bring a wealth of experience to the 2018 squad that includes three first-year players - Jillian Wallace (Cowichan Secondary School), Izzy Fraser (Canada Senior National Team), and Alix Vanry (West Vancouver Secondary). Also set to take to the turf for the 'Birds are five members of the Canadian Women's National Jr. program - Hannah Eborall, Margaret Pham (2017 Canada West goal-scoring leader), Jordyn Faiczak, Sara Goodman and Thora Rae.