VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds (0-2) return home to the Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre this Sunday, September 22, at 1:00 p.m. PT to host the University of Alberta Pandas (0-2) as both teams strive for their first victory of the season.
UBC edges out the Pandas for fourth in the Canada West, as the 'Birds earned a bonus point for recording four or more tries, and another bonus point for losing by seven or less a week ago. The T-Birds have scored 48 total points in their two matches to date, while Alberta has tallied just 12 total points and were held off the scoreboard two weeks ago against Lethbridge.
Last Action
The Thunderbirds were in tough against the No. 7 ranked University of Victoria Vikes in a Legend Cup battle last Sunday on the island. UBC held a five-point advantage at halftime in the back-and-forth affair, but were unable to hang on as the Vikes came out strong in the second half to secure a narrow 36-34 win. Madison Gold, Gillian Boag, Beau Schellekens, and Hunter Czeppel each scored a try for UBC, while Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored a pair in the loss.
Alberta dropped their second straight match in a 19-12 road loss to the Canada West-leading Calgary Dinos on Saturday, September 14.
Coach's Take
UBC head coach Dean Murten expects a tough challenge from the winless Pandas this weekend.
"They seem to be getting better and better every game," said Murten. "They pushed Calgary very close in the last game and came to UBC last year and taught us a lesson. We must be prepared for a physical battle."
Murten knows his team is capable of earning a much-needed win on home field.
"We need to play for 80 mins at a high tempo. We have shown some good moments but now we need to be more consistent in our play and better at making decisions."
