VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds began their Canada West championship title defense with a decisive 45-24 victory over the University of Victoria Vikes on a sunny Saturday at the Gerald McGavin UBC Rugby Centre. In front of their home fans, the 'Birds kicked off the season with a bang, as six different players scored opening day tries – including two T-Birds making their debut in the blue and gold.
 
"I think the first 20 minutes really set the tone, we played with a lot of energy and pretty comfortable with the ball in hand," said UBC head coach Dean Murten. "It was good to see us executing on many of the things we've been working on but credit to UVic who came back strong, they're a really good team. I was pleased with how we got back to the way we wanted to play after the half, following UVic taking the momentum prior to the break I felt we were able to wrestle the momentum back again and secure the result."


 
UBC jumped out to an early lead in the fourth minute on a Mackenzie Carson try, while back row Rachel Smith and first-year wing Tia Jordo each notched their first tries of the season. Standout Thunderbird fly half Savannah Bauder converted two of UBC's first three tries and the 'Birds held a 19-0 lead midway through the first half.  
 
Lucie Romeo responded and sparked the Vikes offence with a run down the right wing before Chloe Hill-Huse spun off a tackle and touched down between the posts for Victoria's first try of the game that Alexie Pusch converted at 19-7. The Vikes struck again in the 31^st minute with a converted try to cut the deficit to 19-14 at halftime.
 
The T-Birds continued to push in the second half – earning a penalty try as UVic was shown a yellow card. In the 56^th minute, Olivia Sarabura scored her first try of the season and Bauder followed it up with a try of her own for a 38-14 cushion in the 63^rd minute.


 
Victoria kept fighting with an unconverted try four minutes later, but Sarah MacPherson scored her first try as a Thunderbird in the 71^st minute for a 45-19 advantage late. The Vikes got on the board one final time as the clock wound down on a 45-24 UBC victory.
 
Scoring Summary
 
UBC 45 – UVIC 24
 
First Half
UBC – Try, Mackenzie Carson (Savannah Bauder convert) 4'                    7-0
UBC – Try, Rachel Smith (Savannah Bauder convert) 18'                           14-0
UBC – Try, Tia Jordo (Bauder convert unsuccessful) 21'                             19-0
VIC – Try, Chloe Hill-Huse (Alexie Pusch convert) 25'                                 19-7
VIC – Try, Emerald Maze (Kira Peary convert) 31'                                        19-14
 
Second Half
UBC – Penalty Try 49'                                                                                           26-14
UBC – Try, Olivia Sarabura (Savannah Bauder convert) 56'                        33-14
UBC – Try, Savannah Bauder (Bauder convert unsuccessful) 63'             38-14
VIC – Try, Madison Jumeau (Alexie Pusch convert unsuccessful) 67'       38-19
UBC – Try, Sarah MacPherson (Savannah Bauder convert) 71'                 45-19
VIC – Try, Shaye Ogurek (Kira Peary convert unsuccessful) 74'                 45-24