by Ali Baggott, Vikes Communications
VICTORIA – The University of Victoria Vikes women's field hockey team found some consolation on their final games of the year completing the weekend sweep with a 4-0 win over the Calgary Dinos on Oct. 22. Both teams were already out of national championship contention two weeks prior.
Victoria wrapped up their season with a 4-3-1 record thanks to two goals today from rookie Anna Mollenhauer, while Stef Langkammer and Lindsay Cole each scored in the win. Fifth year Larissa Piva, playing in her final game of her career, and rookie Robin Fleming shared the shutout.
Calgary's Marion Arnott was a defensive stalwart today, while keeper Madison Arbuckle put up eight saves as the Dinos brought a spirited performance following yesterday's 6-0 loss.
With nothing to lose the Dinos came out with a renewed sense of energy forcing the Vikes to concede two penalty corners in the opening five minutes. The first shot by Calgary's Jenna Birch-Jones was blocked by Vikes defender Hannah Craig but then cleared high by Piva for a follow-up corner. Birch-Jones' second attempt at goal was swept through traffic and just wide of the post.
In the sixth minute, Sophia Murray had the home side's first crack at goal after she intercepted a Dinos transfer ball and headed straight for the circle. Arnott did well to get back to block Murray's resulting reverse-stick shot.
Play moved back and forth between the 23-m lines for a long period of time until a quick pass from Kristina Walters-Shumka found the stick of Mollenhauer at the top of the circle. The first-year defender found herself with prime real estate and blasted a shot low and hard past Calgary net minder Arbuckle for a 1-0 Victoria lead.
The Vikes struggled to connect on their passes like they did a day previous but were able to muster their first penalty corner in the 25th minute. A give-and-go attempt between Mollenhauer and Walters-Shumka was stymied by a speedy Birch-Jones.
In the 31st minute Victoria's Lindsay Cole created dangerous space in the circle but her shot missed the net just wide. The Vikes were rewarded moments later on a strong run from Murray into the circle. The Dinos defence was scrambling and Langkammer was there to put away the loose ball for a 2-0 lead. The Vikes had three penalty corners at the end of the first half, there best chance coming on a sweep shot by Craig but Dinos defender Arnott was once again there to save it on the line.
Mollenhauer buried her third goal of the weekend in thrilling fashion as the Victoria native quickly unleashed a back-hand shot from the top of the circle, beating Arbuckle for the Vikes' third goal, up 3-0, in the 38th minute.
An interception from Dinos midfielder Meghan Norlander led to Calgary's first penalty corner of the second half in the 60th minute. Cole blocked the first shot that came from Emily Tollafield but and the rebound fell to Norlander who had a go but the ball cruised just wide past the untended net.
Patience in the circle gave Cole room to bury one more before the end of the game and Victoria ended their season on a high with a 4-0 win over Calgary. Following the match Calgary's Michelle Patterson and Sabrina Wong were named to the conference all-star list alongside Vikes Emily Wong, Mollenhauer, Cole and Walters-Shumka. Cole was also named the Gail Wilson Most Outstanding Contributor, while Mollenhauer was named the Canada West Rookie of the Year.
For full standings, scores and award announcements visit canadawest.org.
SCORING SUMMARY
CGY 0 – 0 : 0
VIC 2 – 2 : 4
GOAL SCORERS
VIC - #6 Anna Mollenhauer, FG, 18', 1-0 VIC
VIC - #9 Stefanie Langkammer, FG, 32', 2-0 VIC
VIC - #6 Anna Mollenhauer, FG, 38', 3-0 VIC
VIC - #13 Lindsay Cole, FG, 66', 4-0 VIC
GOALKEEPERS
CGY – Madison Arbuckle, 70 MP, 4 GA, 8 saves
VIC – Larissa Piva 35 MP, 0 GA, 3 save
VIC – Robin Fleming, 35 MP, 0 GA, 0 save
CARDS
VIC – # 11 Jenna Dhillon, 19', GC
Photo Credit: APShutter.com