Daniela Garcia Orellana; Dinos Communications

CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos extended their remarkable winning streak to double digits with a 3-0 win over the UNBC Timberwolves at a snowy West Varsity Pitch Saturday afternoon.

The Dinos win streak stretches to 10 games with the victory, with Lauren Houghton picking up an incredible ninth shutout on the season as the teams battled slick, snow-covered field conditions. The loss drops UNBC to 1-7-3 on the season.

"It was a good performance in difficult conditions," said Dinos Head Coach Troye Flannery. "We focused on the right things and got better as the game went on. I thought in the second half we were exceptional, and our game-changers were game-changers. We got a quality performance from Jordan Smith for the full 90."

Calgary peppered the UNBC goal with 18 shots as Timberwolves 'keeper Madi Doyle had a busy day.

Pressure from the Dinos in the opening 20 minutes led to a flurry of chances and multiple corners, and finally Calgary broke through with Maddison Fritze's fourth goal of the season in the 20th minute. Fritze, who had been denied by Doyle on two opportunities earlier in the contest, was rewarded on her third chance.

Incredibly, the Timberwolves were whistled for just two fouls in the game – and both of those came inside the area late in the second half, setting up penalty opportunities for the Dinos. Sienna Prince-McPherson was up first, making no mistake for her first of the year in the 76th minute. Then, with time winding down in the 87th, Montana Leonard potted her fourth of the campaign from the spot to make the final 3-0.

Houghton made three saves for the shutout as the Calgary defence limited UNBC to just six shots toward the goal, despite mounting pressure in the second half.

Mara McCleary earned MVP honours for the Timberwolves, while Jordan Smith took the honours for the Dinos.

With the victory, the Dinos clinch home field advantage in the first round of the Canada West playoffs and will host a three-team first round tournament Oct. 26-28 at McMahon Stadium.

"We're not done," said Flannery. "We're going to keep going, and I'm proud of the girls for focusing on the right things."

Calgary will close out its regular season home schedule Sunday when the MacEwan Griffins pay a visit, while the Timberwolves will head south to face the Lethbridge Pronghorns. Both games kick off at noon MT.

-UC-

Photo by David Moll