VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds (18-19, 10-10) are set to honour their graduating seniors and have a chance to clinch a playoff spot when they host the University of Providence Argonauts (9-22, 6-15) for their final four-game series of the season at Collings Field at Nobel Park. The teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Friday starting at 2:00 p.m. (PT) before another on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. (PT), though Saturday's games may be moved up an hour, depending on the forecast.
The T-Birds are coming out of a brutally difficult stretch of their schedule where they played consecutive series against top 10 NAIA teams in No.4-ranked Oregon Tech and No.10-ranked Southern Oregon. While the 'Birds did not win either series, they did take a conference game off of each opponent, which head coach Jenn McKellar notes is a major step forward for her team.
"Last year we didn't have a win against either of those programs so I think that's a big confidence builder for us," reflected the second-year head coach. "We're hungry for more, but right now we're focused on securing a spot in the top six, so we're taking anything we can from those two tough series to use as motivation for this weekend."
UBC currently sits fifth in the Cascade Collegiate Conference standings, with six teams qualifying for the playoff tournament. This weekend's opponent is it the top team chasing them for a post-season berth, as Providence currently sits seventh in the CCC, 4.5 games back of UBC. With just two series left in the year, the 'Birds only need to win two of the three conference games this weekend to clinch their playoff spot, whereas the Argonauts will be looking for a sweep to realistically keep their hopes for the post-season alive.
"When we played them last year we learned that they are a very gritty team, no matter the situation they are competing on each pitch," said McKellar. "We know that the top of their order is competitive, when they have success they really put pressure on the defence, so our goal is to keep them off of the basepaths."
"We have a lot of respect for them, but we know what our job is. I think they'll make it tough, but we're looking forward to a good series. We both have a little something on the line, so everyone will be playing with a lot of intent."
Further adding to the significance of this weekends' games is the fact that they will be the final ones at home for five Thunderbirds who are set to graduate at the end of the semester. The team plans to honour each player between Saturday's games by talking about what they have contributed to the program and giving them all gifts.
"It should be a chance to celebrate and thank them for their hard work, they were all freshmen before COVID, so they've been dedicated and stayed here through ups and downs, a coaching change and a pandemic, all as a big part of our team," said McKellar, beaming. "We're excited to celebrate them with their families and be able to say thank you, while still focusing on a strong finish to the year."
"Gabby (
Gabrielle Dorval) and
Keona Nordquist have been every day infielders, they've been versatile and shown that they are willing to play wherever the team needs them throughout their years. Having a bit more stability this year in their senior years, we've been able to let them play their dedicated primary positions and they've been huge bats our lineup.
"
Arshleen Bajwa and
Caitlin Bradley-Tse have been outfielders for our program, Arshleen a four-year outfielder, Caitlyn transferred in. They're both super competitive and great role models for our younger outfielders, always showing them what it takes to battle for playing time.
"
Lindsay Bell is our one senior pitcher, she has one of those hard to come by work ethics and truly owns her role. She takes her opportunities on the mound but is also a great teammate, which is especially admirable as a pitcher whose playing time can vary, she handles that so well.
"We're so grateful for what all of them have added to the program and we're really excited to thank them and wish them well in their next endeavours."
No tickets are required to attend the final home games of the season for the T-Birds. For those unable to make it to Westbrook Village, a live stream will be available
here.
