WINNIPEG — As their team took to the pitch for the first time in two years, you'd forgive Bisons women's soccer fans for feeling a welcome return to normal.
The masks on the 230 fans at UM West Turf Field weren't the only sign something was different, though — fresh faces on the roster made all the difference in a 3-1 season opening win over the Regina Cougars.
Brazil native Bianca Cavalcanti scored two goals and Winnipeg product Jenna Kunkel scored the other, as the two first-years tallied the scoreboard total for Manitoba in their Canada West debuts.
Peyton Enns had the lone goal for Regina off a penalty shot in the 47th minute.
"Our new players came right away helping to set a new standard," said Bisons head coach Vanessa Martinez Lagunas. "They have been working so hard, their commitment level is out of this world, and that's pushing everyone to be better."
Cavalcanti was particularly impressive, getting in on plenty of action around the box throughout the match — tallying five shots on goal and converting two of her three shots on net.
"I'm just very happy for this opportunity," said Cavalcanti. "The trust of my teammates made me feel great and comfortable enough to play my best and play the way that I play."
"For Bianca, we waited for two years to see her in action. We're so happy to see that tonight," said Martinez Lagunas.
Overall, Manitoba controlled more of the match in Regina's end; the speed of forwards Nicole Davis and Jordan Cistarelli on the outside kept pressure on the visitors throughout. Manitoba's 22 shots well out-paced the ten put on by Regina.
After being kept at bay early, the Herd nearly broke through at the 27th minute, when Jessica Tsai launched a shot from distance that beat Cougars keeper Allyson Ford but not the crossbar. It was 11 minutes later that Kunkel broke through, working to her right in the box and putting a shot in the corner of the net.
Shortly after half, Cavalcanti had her first goal, rifling a quick touch in the box past the keeper to make it 2-0.
Regina finally had an answer in the 56th, though, as a Manitoba hand ball in the box set up Peyton Enns for a penalty shot — which she had no problem delivering on, beating Bisons keeper Karina Bagi.
The Cougars pushed for an equalizer, but the Bisons got breathing room at the death. Another long bomb from Tsai bounced off the crossbar, but Cavalcanti was in the right place at the right time, knocking it in for her second.
The Bisons and Cougars meet Saturday for the end of their weekend series. Match time is 6 p.m.
