VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds fed off the energy of a boisterous packed house of 4,117 fans en route to a convincing 6-1 non-conference victory over the Douglas College Royals at Thunderbird Stadium on Thursday evening.
Most of those in attendance were part of Jump Start, UBC's multi-day orientation designed to introduce first year students to the university and the newcomers chose to congregate on a beautiful night for soccer on the Point Grey campus.
"It was unbelievable and I think it just shows the culture of these young students coming into this school and wanting to have Thunderbird pride right from the get go," said UBC head coach
Jesse Symons upon reflection of the frenzied atmosphere for the match. "All of our Thunderbird teams love it; we play better when we have it and tonight, we put on a show in front of them and I was happy with the goals we scored tonight."
First-year defender
Sarah Rollins stirred the home crowed into a frenzy just four minutes into the match, opening the scoring off a corner kick delivery as the ball fell to her feet and she converted from 10 yards out to give the T-Birds a 1-0 lead.
Not long after it was fourth-year forward
Vanessa Tome following up with two straight tallies just minutes apart to give the 'Birds a healthy 3-0 advantage. Next it was third-year forward
Ava Alexander getting in on the act to put the blue and gold up 4-0 going into halftime.
Coming out of the break it was the visitors stepping up to keep the crowd temporarily at bay as Royals goalkeeper Vanessa Chung did well to stop a
Katalin Tolnai penalty kick attempt in minute 50, Chung diving to her far right to deny the UBC's fifth marker.
10 minutes later however the 'Birds would get that back as
Sophie Damian found the back of the net in the 60
th minute to make it 5-0. Douglas College wouldn't go away quietly responding nine minutes later thanks to a strike from Christine Singh to count their lone goal on the evening at 5-1 in minute 69.
Finally in minute 74 it was
Sophie Damian notching her second marker of the second half and wrapping up the scoring on the night and securing the 6-1 triumph for the T-Birds.
The exhibition friendly gave UBC a good opportunity to get their deep squad some game action while trying to stay sharp as they head into the labour day long weekend with a bye. The 'Birds opened their Canada West season this past weekend with a pair of 1-0 victories, first over Fraser Valley on Friday night before edging the rival Trinity Western Spartans on Sunday afternoon.
"We were able to get every member of our program in tonight and everyone performed very well, added Symons. "They moved the ball well they got on it well and overall, it was a great night both on the field and in the stands and for UBC."
UBC returns to conference play Friday, September 8
th when they visit the UBC Okanagan Heat for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
