Rich Abney, UNBC
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. -The UNBC Timberwolves and Trinity Western Spartans came into Friday night with matching 2-2-0 records, but it was the visitors from Langley who came away with a 3-0 victory.
Both teams traded chances, but it was the Spartans who opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. A scramble inside the six-yard box found Jenaya Robertson on the goal line, and she made no mistake depositing her third of the campaign to make it 1-0.
"We knew they had some select individuals who were skilled and crafty," said UNBC defender Ashley Volk. "I think we dealt with it well, but they're an athletic team."
The Timberwolves had a glorious chance to knot the score in the 35th minute. Sidney Roy's hustle caused a breakdown in the Spartans end, and Paige Payne found herself with a gaping cage. Her shot was inches too high, as she hit the crossbar from 15 yards out.
UNBC had another great opportunity to get on the board, as Sasha Eidsvik found herself behind the defense, but TWU keeper Christina Oliverio made a great challenge and deflected it out of play.
"I was really impressed with how UNBC moved the ball, and were able to play out of the back," said Rachel Hutchinson in a postgame interview. "A lot of teams play really directly and aren't super possession-orientated, but UNBC really moved the ball."
Trinity Western picked up the pace in the second half, and earned themselves a number of quality chances that were thwarted by freshman Timberwolves keeper Brooke Molby.
They eventually solved the Squamish native in the 69th minute, on a brilliant run from Rachel Hutchinson. She weaved her way through the Timberwolves defensive third before beating Molby with a blast inside the right post to make it 2-0.
"We do work on those in practice, so it was good to finish one," said Hutchinson after the game. "I have had some inconsistency over the last couple games, so it was nice."
The air seemed to evacuate the Timberwolves side, though their efforts did not cease. Pressing upfield with more determination, however, allowed TWU to add another goal in the 88th minute. Seina Kashima, who used her significant speed to her advantage all match, cut to the middle of the pitch and beat a fully-extended Molby with a tremendous shot that found the top-right corner.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the Spartans earned a 3-0 victory on an 8-3 advantage in the shots-on-goal category.
"Coming into the game we wanted to maintain control, and I think we did in the first half," said Volk. "I think we were successful in some of our goals, but we definitely have some more learning to do."
"We are really working well as a team," said Hutchinson. "None of these goals happen if we aren't working as a team. At the end of the day, we should be happy with the result tonight, but we shouldn't be satisfied. We have a lot of tough games coming up."
With the win, Trinity improves to 3-2-0, while the Timberwolves drop to 2-3-0. UNBC will wrap up their home schedule on Sunday, September 24th, when they play host to the UFV Cascades.
Volk says the TWolves are looking to perform in their home finale.
"I think we have a good mentality and positive attitude. It is the last game at home for our seniors, so we really want to pull out a win for them."