Sporting an undefeated record heading into their final weekend of conference play, the Thunderbirds are two wins away from what would be their third straight 14-0 regular season mark.
In the quest for that milestone they'll first take on the Thompson Rivers WolfPack on Friday, October 16, a formidable opponent whose only loss this year came at the hands of the Thunderbirds last Friday. Then, it's the UNBC Timberwolves on Saturday, October 17, a match that also serves as senior night for this year's group of graduating T-Birds.
Five players are set to be honoured this weekend, including the longest-serving member of the roster, Sophia Ferreira. After a major injury suffered before the start of last year threatened to end her UBC career on a sour note, the dynamic fullback has come back in fine form this campaign, starting 10 games and tying her personal-best goal mark with four, including one against TRU last weekend.
Taiya Dennehy has been a rock in the middle of the park throughout her time as a Thunderbird, starting 60 consecutive games dating back to October of 2023, and providing that crucial link between the defensive line and the attackers. One of those exciting attackers is Jayda Thompson, a lightning-quick winger who's racked up a total of 17 goals and 17 assists in 44 games over the last three seasons. Both Thompson and Dennehy earned Canada West and U SPORTS Championship All-Star status last year.
Hannah Bains has been a regular in the midfield rotation the last couple seasons, and boasts a nearly flawless individual winning record at 34-1 in games that she's played in, with the lone loss coming in last year's national championship defeat to Montreal. Rounding out the group is Marilena Spagnolo, who in her lone season with the blue and gold has formed an elite goalkeeping duo with second-year Emma Sparrow that's continued the T-Birds' penchant for being incredibly difficult to score on.
"Sophia being out last year, and then returning and showcasing what she's capable of has been great to see," reflected UBC head coach Jesse Symons. "She's had a phenomenal year from both a defending and attacking perspective. Marilena coming in for her last year of eligibility, she's been fantastic in goal and a leader for the team from the get-go.
"With Hannah Bains, Jayda Thompson and Taiya Dennehy, I think you've got to look at their record as three players going through our program: three Canada West championships, two national championships already under their belt, and I think for me they've really showcased and pushed our program to another level. It'll be a big day to celebrate the players and what they've accomplished both individually and with the program over the years."
The Thunderbirds will also have an eye towards maintaining as much momentum and good form as possible heading into the postseason. With a bye week prior to their Canada West Quarterfinal which will be played at home on the Halloween weekend, the importance of being as ready as possible for what's to come is paramount.
"It's about building our formula for the playoffs with our starters and game changers, and we're excited to have a few players come back this weekend and have everyone ready to go," added Symons. "The bye comes at a good time from a school perspective and maybe a prep perspective. It'll be good to finish off the league and then really focus on who we play next."
The T-Birds' clash with the WolfPack will be played at Ken Woods Field at 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday. Saturday's game kicks off at the same time, but will be played inside Thunderbird Stadium. CLICK HERE for tickets.
