VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds rebounded from a disappointing weekend in Alberta with a 6-3 victory over the Manitoba Bisons Friday, January 24 night at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver.

Nicole Saxvik led the 'Birds with two goals and two assists as UBC improved to 17-5-1 on the season, while the Bisons, who got goals from Alana Serhan, Kyleigh Palmer and Caitlin MacDonald, fell to 13-6-4.

The Thunderbirds led 3-0 just under five minutes into the second period on goals from Saxvik, Melissa Goodwin and Emily O'Neill. However, Manitoba would counter on markers from Serhan and Palmer with just 14 seconds left in the frame to cut the lead to 3-2 through 40 minutes.

Once again thought, the Thunderbirds would prove their dominance in the third period getting goals from Saxvik, Tatiana Rafter and Rebecca Unrau to put the game out of reach and take a 6-2 lead. Again the Bisons would score with under a minute left in the frame, but it would be nowhere near enough as UBC doubled up the Bisons 6-3.

UBC finished the night 2-for-6 on the power play, while Manitoba was 0-for-3.

Danielle Dube made 25 saves for the win, while Amanda Schubert, who replaced Dee-Ana Marion after UBC led 3-0, stopped 16 of the 19 shots she faced.

Rafter and Christi Capozzi of UBC and MacDonald of Manitoba were honoured before the game for helping Canada win gold at the Winter Universiade in December.

These two teams will be back at again Saturda, Janyary 25 afternoon. Puck drop is at 2 p.m. PT at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.