VANCOUVER - Day two of the Canada West women's field hockey tournament saw the UVic Vikes and host UBC Thunderbirds play to a 1-1 deadlock that needed a shootout and in the end it was the visiting Vikes that executed more efficiently in the extra frame to secure a 4-1 victory.
The T-Birds started the game with a full court press working hard to intercept passes all over the field. It showed results almost right away with a turnover by UVic on the left side resulting in a quick circle penetration and solid pass across the face of the net deflected just wide of the far post by Izzy Fraser. A second opportunity came a few minutes later with good movement of the left side of the field and a reverse stick strike on net by Alix Vanry which was saved well by Robin Fleming.
The Vikes then settled, showing better composure in the midfield and earned the first penalty corner of the game at the nine minute mark the first quarter. A direct strike by Anna Mollenhaurer wasted the opportunity and was sent wide of the net.
Less than 30 seconds later, UVic again with good pressure earned a second penalty corner. Another direct strike, this time from the layoff position left of the main battery was stopped by the UBC first runner.
The second quarter started with the Vikes putting good pressure on the UBC outlets and a turnover on the left side resulted In UVic earning a penalty corner within the first minute. The ball was bobbled on the stick stop however and UBC regained possession.
At the four minute mark, good penetration by Jordyn Faiczak up the left side and a late transfer in midfield allowed UBC to gain the circle and earn their first penalty corner of the game. A direct strike by Sara Goodman was deflected wide by the Vikes first runner.
Sustained attacking pressure at the 8min mark of the second quarter and strong possession just outside the UVic circle from Sara Goodman resulted in the 'Birds being rewarded with their second penalty corner. A layoff to the right, looking for a far post deflection was intercepted well by UVic. A second good scoring opportunity came which just two minutes left in the quarter. Good midfield pressure by UBC forced to turnover and an excellent early pass to striker #4 Sane Basra saw her with only Robin Fleming to beat. A solid reverse stick strike was a few inches wide of the top corner however and the opportunity was wasted.
The third-quarter started with the scoop by Anna Mollenhaurer deep into the T-Birds left corner. Play for the first five minutes was mostly in the UBC half but UVic was unfortunately unable to convert any of the pressure and possession into meaningful goal scoring opportunities. The rest of the quarter was a fairly even battle for possession especially in the midfield. Both teams working extremely hard on both sides of the ball. UBC finally broke the deadlock with two minutes left in the quarter. Getting into the circle with good numbers and after a scramble at the goalmouth, UBC number 18 Mikayla Stelling finally shoved the ball by goalkeeper Robin Fleming and scored the first goal of the game.
The fourth quarter began in monsoon like conditions but you wouldn't know it by watching the players. Both teams were playing with tenacity and grit knowing that the CW championship and a birth in the U SPORTS National Championships was potentially on the line for this game.
Good pressure by The Vikes at the four minute mark resulted in a well earned Penalty corner. A layoff option to the left was struck hard at net with UBC keeper Hannah Rumble making a good initial save. The rebound however was scooped up and pushed over the goal line by UVic #11 Nora Struchtrup.
With under five minutes left in the fourth quarter, UBC pulled GK Hannah rumble for an extra attacker With Coach Poonam Sandhu looking to win the game in regulation time. The move led to a more sustained attack by UBC with a lot of their chances coming from hard strikes into the circle looking for deflection opportunities. Many of these were generated by decisive runs by UBC's #6 Thora Rae. None were connected on however and regulation time expired with the score still tied.
With Canada West women's field hockey regulations evolving this year to promote more attacking play and increase the emphasis on results especially late in the season, the game headed to a shootout to break the tie.
Melanie Robertson took the first attempt for UVic and scored the first goal after a confident pull around UBC GK Hannah Rumble.
Sara Goodman followed with UBC's first attempt but goalkeeper Robin Fleming was up to the task with a good save to keep the hosts off the board.
Stephanie Sajko followed with the Vikes second attempt and confidently put the ball past Hannah Rumble to increase the pressure on UBC.
Jordyn Faiczak followed for UBC with a poised strike past Robin Fleming to score the 'Birds first goal.
Another UVic goal followed by Nora Struchtrup.
Sanehpreet Basra was in the hot seat next for UBC but UVic keeper Robin Flemming once again showed her pedigree with a strong save.
The spotlight then appropriately shifted to UVic captain Anna Mollenhauer who calmly scored the winner and a 4-1 decision securing the CW championship and a birth to the U SPORTS National Championships.
