Kellen Forrest; Dinos Communications

CALGARY – Snow piles surrounded the field, and hand warmers were in hot demand, as the University of Calgary Dinos and UBC Thunderbirds did battle on a chilly September afternoon at Hawkings Field. A strong opening to the second half would propel the Thunderbirds to a 3-0 win, their first win of the season.

UBC improves to 1-0-2 on the season, and the Dinos fall to 0-3-0.

Similarly to last weekend for the Dinos against the Vikes, the first half of the first game was very defensive, as both teams looked to figure the other side out. Both teams only had a handful of scoring attempts, and the teams were deadlocked at 0-0 heading into halftime.

Offence would pick up in the second half, as the Thunderbirds would break the scoreless drought just three minutes in. A beautifully designed penalty corner would lead to a deflection goal by Sara Goodman, putting the Thunderbirds up 1-0.

The Dinos looked like they would answer right back, with a beautiful shot from the top of the circle from Madison Macmillan, however, the goal was disallowed, keeping the score at 1-0.

Thunderbird forward and captain Nicolette Best, who played a very complete game for her team, would seal it for the away side, with two goals in 66th and 70th minutes of the second half to make the final score 3-0.

Dinos captain Marion Arnott, led by example, as she was a force at the back. Not only was she a force defensively, but she was also relied on heavily to start the Dinos breakouts, as they attempted to penetrate the Thunderbirds midfield.

Today was the Thunderbirds' second shutout of the young season, and both goalies can say they had a part in this one. Reigning Canada West player of the year, Rowan Harris, played the first half for the Thunderbirds. While Gabby Switzer, would start the second half and finish the job.

Dinos head coach Peter Taylor thought the Dinos midfield as a whole had a very strong game, constantly pressuring the Thunderbirds and forcing them to make mistakes. First-year Brooke Van Oosten and 2017 U Sports All-Canadian Michelle Patterson, in particular, were strong throughout the game.

Taylor was disappointed with the outcome of the game, but overall, he thought this game showed his team that they can play with the seven-time defending national champions.

"I can see that we can compete, and we can score, and we can even win games against this team. We just need to believe."

The teams will not have much rest before they do it all again, as the rematch goes Sunday once again at Hawkings Field at 11 a.m.

SCORING SUMMARY
1st Half
No Scoring

2nd Half
38' UBC – Sara Goodman PC, 1-0 UBC
66' UBC – Nicolette Best FG, 2-0 UBC
70' UBC – Nicolette Best PC, 3-0 UBC

GOALKEEPERS
CGY – Ingrid Ulrich 70 MP, 3 GA
UBC – Rowan Harris 35 MP, 0 GA
UBC – Gabby Switzer 35 MP, 0 GA

-UC-

Photo by David Moll