CALGARY – A strong second half propelled the UBC Thunderbirds to a 3-0 triumph over the host Calgary Dinos on a chilly September afternoon at Hawkings Field, giving head coach Poonam Sandhu her first career win.
 
First-year coach Sandhu opened her tenure with a pair of ties against Victoria. Today's win improves UBC ito 1-0-2 on the season, while the Dinos fall to 0-3-0.  
 
The 35 minutes were very defensive, as both teams looked to figure the other side out, creating a handful of scoring attempts. The teams were deadlocked at 0-0 at the half.
 
The Thunderbirds broke the scoreless drought just three minutes into the second. A beautifully designed penalty corner led to a deflection goal by Sara Goodman, putting the visitors up by a goal.
 

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In honour of national coaches week we pulled out a win ! Thank you @psandhu10 @daneetsandhu for all of your support !

A post shared by UBC Women's Field Hockey (@ubcwfieldhockey) on Sep 29, 2018 at 11:58am PDT

The Dinos looked like they would answer right back, with a beautiful shot from the top of the circle from Madison MacMillan, however, the goal was disallowed, keeping the score at 1-0.
 
Thunderbird forward and captain Niki Best, who played a very complete game for her team, would seal it for the away side, with goals in 66^th and 70^th minutes of the second half to make the final score 3-0.
 
It was the second shutout of the young season for the Thunderbirds, and both goalies can say they had a part in this one. Reigning Canada West Player of the Year, Rowan Harris, played the first half for UBC, while Gabriella Switzer finished the game for the blue and gold.
 
The teams will not have much rest before they do it all again, as the rematch goes Sunday once again at Hawkings Field at 10 a.m. PT.   
 
SCORING SUMMARY
First Half
No Scoring
 
Second Half
38' UBC – Sara Goodman PC, 1-0 UBC
66' UBC – Niki Best FG, 2-0 UBC
70' UBC – Niki Best PC, 3-0 UBC
 
GOALKEEPERS
CGY – Ingrid Ulrich 70 MP, 3 GA
UBC – Rowan Harris 35 MP, 0 GA
UBC – Gabby Switzer 35 MP, 0 GA