VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds (4-3-1) came up short in a 5-1 defeat at Wright Field to the conference champion University of Victoria Vikes (7-0-1) in their final game of the Canada West season. The reigning four-time champion Vikes will now host the U SPORTS National Championship beginning November 3
rd in Victoria.
"I'm most proud of all the athletes I've had the opportunity to coach," said UVic head coach Lynne Beecroft after coaching her final regular season game in a storied career. "It's been an honour to coach them and see what they've done after they finished playing field hockey. I think we have like 13 doctors and physios, occupational therapists, nurses, teachers…it's so fantastic. It's what they take from this into the real world to be successful, that's what I'm most proud of. I hope these athletes can put forward their best effort against whoever we play in the U SPORTS National Championship. This year has been a really nice mix of youth and veterans and it'll be fun to watch."
The visitors opened up a 3-0 lead after the first quarter of play before
Izzy Fraser responded for the Thunderbirds on a penalty corner in the 38
th minute to cut the deficit to two. The three-time defending National champion Vikes bounced back with two more goals in the final frame to close out the Canada West regular season.
UBC also honoured five graduating seniors in
Izzy Fraser,
Jillian Wallace,
Miranda Yee,
Kaileigh Chow, and
Alix Vanry for their outstanding contributions to the blue and gold.
SCORING SUMMARY
VIC – Madeline Mittelsteadt, FG, 7', 1-0 VIC
VIC – Anna Mollenhauer, PC, 9', 2-0 VIC
VIC – Anna Mollenhauer, FG, 15', 3-0 VIC
UBC –
Izzy Fraser, PC, 38', 3-1 VIC
VIC – Madeline Mittelsteadt, FG, 47', 4-1 VIC
VIC – Nora Struchtrup, FG, 56', 5-1 VIC
GOALKEEPERS
UBC –
Hannah Rumble, 60 MP, 5 GA
VIC – Jendaya Titsworth, 60 MP, 1 GA
CARDS
UBC –
Danielle McBean, GC, 7'
UBC –
Miranda Yee, YC, 20'
UBC – Elizabeth Mathison, GC, 33'
VIC – Anna Mollenhauer, GC, 44'
