WHKY: UBC breaks open close game in the second, beat Manitoba 6-2
Aimee Patrick records first career U SPORTS goal in the loss.
Stu Walters, UBC Communications
VANCOUVER -- Less than 24 hours after 'banner night' the T-Birds had even more to celebrate, completing the season-opening weekend sweep following a statement 6-2 win over the Manitoba Bisons. Despite an inspired Bisons effort to start the game, UBC's offensive firepower made all the difference on Saturday afternoon at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre.
The start was less than ideal for the home team as a giveaway in their own zone, led to
Aimee Patrick's gift of a goal to make it 1-0 Bisons early in the first frame. It was Patrick's first career U SPORTS goal.
However, Mackenzie Kordic quickly responded to even the score with a strong forecheck effort, and top-shelf finish past Bisons goalie
Emily Shippam. The Bisons would answer back, restoring their lead as
Julia Bird 'flew' in off-the-wing, snapping a low shot past UBC goalie, Kate Stuart. The frantic pace would continue as it was the T-Birds turn to respond immediately with Joelle Fiala and Ashton Thorpe setting up Grace Elliot, who showed off her hand-eye on a tip goal past Shippam to even things at 2-2.
The T-Birds opened the floodgates in the second period. Led by the first line of Grace Elliot, Chanreet Bassi, and Joelle Fiala, the attack was simply relentless. Fiala tipped home a point shot from Sierra LaPlante to make it 3-2. Next, rookie Jacquelyn Fleming potted her first career U SPORTS goal to extend the lead.
Shortly after it was Mackenzie Kordic looking off a defender on a three-on-one before sniping a low blocker beauty. Kordic's second goal of the game also accounted for her first two points of the season.
Manitoba did what they could to tilt the ice back in a favourable direction, but UBC simply did not let up. Sierra LaPlante sniped a point shot top-shelf for 6-2 advantage, which ended up being the final score.
The Maintoba Bisons return to home ice next weekend when they welcome the University of Regina. Meanwhile, UBC head on the road to face the University of Saskatchewan.
