ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – The UBC Thunderbirds (1-0) began their Canada West season with a statement 80-58 win over the UFV Cascades (0-1) in a battle of two 17-3 teams from a season ago that played out at the UFV Athletic Centre on Halloween night.

The T-Birds held a slim lead for much of the first half, survived a third quarter surge from the Cascades, then took their opponents' candy and sent them home empty-handed by outscoring UFV 30-12 in the final frame.

Mona Berlitz terrorized Cascades defenders all night, slicing them up to the tune of 21 points, along with six rebounds and two steals. The conference free throw leader from a season ago got to the line 11 times, knocking down nine of those shots, while also shooting a tidy 6/9 from the field.



Fellow 2023-24 Canada West All-Star Olivia Weekes also had a strong evening, corralling a team-high nine rebounds while pouring in 16 points.

First-year Keira Daly was impressive off of the bench, leading the team in minutes and adding 17 points of her own, second only to Berlitz in the game.

The blue and gold now have one day off before returning to the friendly confines of War Memorial Gym for Saturday's home opener, presented by YVR. Tip-off against the Trinity Western Spartans is set for 4:00 p.m. (PT). Tickets may still be available here. Watch your T-Birds all season long, live or on demand, on Canada West TV.