Despite a depleted lineup, the UBC Thunderbirds showed their resilience, posting a second consecutive 3-1 victory over the visiting Calgary Dinos to complete the weekend series sweep Saturday afternoon at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.

Fans were treated to a penalty shot goal as UBC's Jacquelyn Fleming scored the eventual game-winner in dramatic fashion. A four-point weekend moves the T-Birds into a second-place tie with Mount Royal in the Canada West standings.

Calgary's Elizabeth Lang gave the Dinos the 1-0 lead in the first period, taking a pass from Brooke Dennett and sniping top-shelf on UBC goalie Kate Stuart. However, Dinos penalty trouble gave the T-Birds an opportunity just under three minutes after the opening goal. Ireland Perrott took a feed from Fleming at the side of the net, and slid the puck five-hole on U Of C goalie Gabriella Durante; the tying goal was Perrott's team-leading seventh goal of the season.



"That powerplay goal was massive for us, kind of getting the 'monkey off the back' we hadn't gotten one in three games," said UBC Head Coach Graham Thomas. "Had good looks and good chances just haven't been able to capitalize." The T-Birds finished the game 1 for 5 on the powerplay.

UBC's young guns continue to play a vital role in their success this season. During a pivotal penalty kill, rookie Jacqueline Fleming put the Dinos on their heels. Fleming blocked a shot at the point and took off, using her speed to force a Dinos defender into tripping her as she attempted a short-handed breakaway. A penalty shot ensued and Fleming lit the lamp, finding space just over the glove of Durante. Fleming's goal was the Beaumont Alberta product's 2^nd point of the night, and 5^th of the season, it would also stand as the eventual game winner.

"She's just playing so inspired and with a lot of heart so it's great for our older players, she's pushing the rest of the group and she's playing the right way." Coach Thomas said of Fleming.

Another stand-out freshman Cassidy Rhodes iced the game for UBC, scoring an empty netter to secure the 3-1 victory. Rhodes' 7^th goal of the season moves her into a tie with Perrott for the team-lead.



It's been an impressive start to the Canada West season for the Thunderbirds as they have now won 5-straight, and earned at least a point in 8 consecutive games. They hold an 8-1-1 record which is good for 17 points, tied with Mount Royal for 2^nd place, and just one point behind Alberta with two games in-hand. 

While happy with his team's resilience thus far, Coach Thomas will be keeping his team focused on the task-at-hand, "Every single win, in November or January, these are crucial points in this league and if we want to accomplish what we want to accomplish, these are massive points, we're having a good start to the year but we do need to keep the focus."

Next up for the T-Birds, a Thursday November, 10th road battle up the highway against their cross-town rivals, the Trinity Western Spartans (5-5-0), puck drop is set for 7:15 p.m. in Langley. Meanwhile the Dinos host the Bisons this coming Friday and Saturday November 11 and 12 for 7:00 p.m. starts.