The UBC Thunderbirds (2-0-1) claimed a 2-1 victory over defending Canada West and U Sports champions, the Victoria Vikes (0-1-2), in the first game of a two-match weekend series on Saturday at Wright Field.
 
"It's such a short season, so getting results in these games makes a big difference," said UBC head coach Richard Hildreth. "We were really happy, especially in the first half, with how we came out. They had a big pushback in the third quarter and the fourth quarter, but we managed to regain our composure and get the result that we wanted."

?? WFH | A great start to UBC's home opener for field hockey! @ubcfieldhockey's Izzy Fraser scores on a penalty flick against @uvicvikes giving the T-Birds a 1-0 lead. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/kbKJe8pbSE

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) September 23, 2023

 
Fifth-year captain Izzy Fraser took the early lead for the 'Birds, capitalizing on a penalty corner halfway through the first quarter. Despite excellent opportunities from both sides, the score remained 1-0 in favour of UBC through the first thirty.


 
The defending champions started the second half strong, pressuring the 'Birds and controlling possession for the majority of the third quarter. The equalizer came in the 34^th minute when Nora Struchtrup slotted in a rebounded shot in a short corner play.

?? WFH | A great start to UBC's home opener for field hockey! @ubcfieldhockey's Izzy Fraser scores on a penalty flick against @uvicvikes giving the T-Birds a 1-0 lead. #GoBirdsGo pic.twitter.com/kbKJe8pbSE

— UBC Thunderbirds (@ubctbirds) September 23, 2023

 
Reigning Canada West Goalkeeper of the Year Hannah Rumble pulled out some stunning saves in the fourth to keep the board even until Riley Brown sealed the deal for the 'Birds with a 54^th-minute field goal.
 
"She's been amazing for us last year and this year as well. It gives the team a lot of confidence knowing that, if and when there are mistakes, we've got her back there to get us out of trouble," said Hildreth when asked about Rumble's performance.


 
The Thunderbirds and Vikes will return to Wright Field for a rematch on Sunday, September 24^th, at 11:00 am, to close out the weekend series.
 
 
SCORING SUMMARY
UBC – Izzy Fraser, PC, 6', 1-0 UBC
VIC – Nora Struchtrup, PC, 34', 1-1
UBC – Riley Brown, FG, 54', 2-1 UBC
 
GOALKEEPERS
UBC – Hannah Rumble, 60 MP, 1 GA
VIC – Anais Chace, 60 MP, 2 GA
 
CARDS
VIC – Brooke Furtado, GC, 4'