EDMONTON – Despite outshooting the host Alberta Pandas 33-14, including a 16-1 margin in the third period alone, the UBC Thunderbirds couldn't solve goaltender Mackenzie Dojahn, suffering their first loss of the season.
Jadynn Morden scored both Pandas (4-6-4) goals, both coming in the second period, while the T-Birds failed to score on three power play chances less than 24 hours after putting four past Alberta on the advantage.
Mya Lucifora made 12 saves for a UBC side that hadn't lost to Alberta since game two of last year's Canada West Final. The shutout is the fourth in the career of Dojahn and second this season.
Along with failing to find the back of the net for the first time this season, Saturday's result marked just the third time the 'Birds have allowed multiple goals against in a single game.
Neither team found the back of the net in the opening frame, despite multiple quality chances. Dojahn turned aside all nine shots she faced to keep the game scoreless.
The Pandas broke through midway through the second with Morden's third of the season, firing a shot past Lucifora off a setup from Kelly Stanford.
Alberta doubled its lead eight minutes later when Morden struck again, this time assisted by Hayleigh Craig. The goal capped a strong shift that saw Alberta sustain pressure deep in the UBC zone.
The Thunderbirds pushed for a response in the final frame, generating 16 shots, but Dojahn stood tall to preserve the clean sheet.
Alberta killed off a late cross-checking penalty to Abbey Bourdeaud'Hui, closing out the shutout with a composed defensive effort.
Despite the loss, the T-Birds still sit comfortably atop the Canada West's west division, nine points ahead of second place Trinity Western.
The 'Birds are back home next Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29, to host the Saskatchewan Huskies for the lone series between the two this regular season.
