A UBC Thunderbird runs toward the camera with the ball, open field in front of her as a teammate trails. A bent over, tired looking Alberta Panda watches from the background, out of focus.
Bob Frid/UBC Thunderbirds

Women's Rugby Toby Kerr (UBC Communications)

T-Birds prepared to host Pandas in home opener

VANCOUVER – The three-time defending Canada West champion UBC Thunderbirds (1-0) have their first home game of the 2023-24 season on Thursday when the University of Alberta Pandas (1-0) come to town for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff at the Gerald McGavin Rugby Centre.

The 'Birds handled the University of Victoria Vikes in their season opener on Vancouver Island, winning 29-12 in a rematch of last year's conference championship game. The team locked down defensively as the opener went on and managed to shut out Victoria in the second half, while five different T-Birds scored tries.

"I thought we got off to a very good start scoring three tries in the first 20 minutes," reflected UBC head coach Dean Murten. "However, we let UVic back into the game and allowed them to score two easy tries. I was happy with the way we defended for the majority of the game; however, we must improve our discipline, the penalty count was far too high."

A thunderbirds player with the ball tries to fend off multiple Vikes from tackling her

Now UBC turns its attention to an Alberta team that was ranked last in the pre-season coaches poll, but demolished the Calgary Dinos 54-5 in its only game of the young season.

"Alberta got off to a great start with a convincing win against Calgary," said Murten. "They have got some great additions to their squad that we need to be aware off.  Alberta will be very physical and direct."

Last year the T-Birds won both matchups against the Pandas by at least 40 points.

A UBC Thunderbird carries the ball, chased by multiple Alberta Pandas as UBC teammates look on

UBC is currently third in the U SPORTS national rankings, the only Canada West team that has cracked the top 10. The squad is looking to compete in its third straight national championships and win its first ever U SPORTS banner.

Coach Murten believes increased physicality will be the key to taking the next step toward cementing the 'Birds as a Canada West dynasty and bringing home a national crown.

"We need to match our opponents physically, when we have the ball, we need to find the space," concluded Murten. "Something we did not do well enough against Victoria."

The game will be streamed live on Canada West TV. Find the team's full schedule here.
 
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