UBC closes conference season with another win

by Andrew Smith, UVic Sports Info Assistant

Photo courtesy UVic Athletics

VICTORIA – League leading scorer Elise Milosevich potted her 11th goal of the season to give her UBC Thunderbirds a 1-0 win over the UVic Vikes women's field hockey team in the regular season finale.

With the win, the T-Birds swept the Vikes in the final weekend of regular season play. The T-Birds finished atop the Canada West standings at 10-2-0, to win their seventh straight conference banner, while the Vikes finished in second place with a 5-4-3 record.

The Vikes got off to a quick offensive start with shots off the posts but were unable to capitalize on chances in front of T-Birds rookie keeper Dina Bulfone. Both teams finished the first half without a goal.

Bulfone stood tall in net for the T-Birds stopping all shots she faced. Her counterpart, Vikes keeper Kaitlyn Williams, made some key saves but was unable to turn away Milosevich’s eventual game-winner in the 43rd minute.

Vikes coach Lynne Beecroft liked her Vikes performance despite the loss. “We played a lot better today, we put a lot more pressure on them, which forced them to make mistakes.”

After the game, the Canada West announced the conference All-Stars and Award winners. Three Vikes were recognized as All-Stars with Katie Collison, Perri Espeseth and goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams receiving post-season honours.

Beecroft commented on her All-Stars. "It's Kati e's first year as an allstar so I'm really pleased for her. Perri is a rock on defense for us and she is one of our penalty corner specialists. Williams was our best player this year, when we were having trouble she was always there to bail us out."

The Vikes now prepare to host the CIS championship November 5-8. Round robin play will begin on the 5th between the Canada West and Ontario qualifying teams.