VANCOUVER – The top-ranked University of British Columbia Thunderbirds (6-0-0) are putting their perfect season to the test this weekend when they host the undefeated MacEwan University Griffins (6-0-1) on Friday at 5:00 p.m. (PT) and the University of Alberta Pandas (2-3-3) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. (PT) at Ken Woods Field.
The 'Birds are coming off of a historic weekend on the road in which forward
Katalin Tolnai set a UBC record with seven points against Winnipeg on Saturday before adding two more against Manitoba on Sunday; also vaulting herself into the U SPORTS points lead in the process.
"Kat has been such a consistent player for our team," raved T-Birds head coach
Jesse Symons. "She was a huge part of our national championship in her first year of playing and has continued with such a tremendous level of play. She has scored some big goals for us and I am sure she will continue to!"
Tolnai and the T-Birds may be in for their toughest test yet Friday afternoon against the only other undefeated Canada West team in the Griffins, who lead the Prairie Division. MacEwan is coming off of a heartbreaking season in which they initially appeared to go 12-2-0, but had to forfeit their first 11 games due to an ineligible player. The 'Birds edged the Griffins 2-1 in their only matchup last year, with Tolnai scoring both UBC goals.
"MacEwan has had a good start to the season," said Symons. "They have looked to play over and direct, which is sometimes hard to manage. We will definitely need to be ready for aerial balls and direct play."
The second game of the weekend comes Sunday afternoon against the Alberta Pandas. After scoring the third most goals in the conference and making the playoffs last year, the Pandas were ranked fifth in the Canada West coaches poll coming into this season. UBC won its only matchup against Alberta in 2022 by a score of 2-0, a game in which, incredibly, Tolnai also scored both goals.
"Alberta has some great players in their group who we will need to manage," concluded Symons. "We will be really focused on stopping their attacks and hope to keep good control."
The T-Birds have held the top spot in the
U SPORTS Rankings throughout the entire season. Catch this weekend's action live on
Canada West TV.
