VICTORIA - As far as home openers go, the University of Victoria Vikes might have received the toughest draw in the Canada West.

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Fortunately for UVic, this year's Vikes squad combines veteran experience, solid goalkeeping and a few fab freshmen, providing optimism going into the season and their home openers Sept. 17 against the No. 3 nationally ranked Alberta Pandas and Sept. 18 against the Saskatchewan Huskies.

Alberta, ranked No. 2 in the Canada West pre-season poll behind Trinity Western earlier this month, dismantled Calgary and Lethbridge on the opening weekend, winning both games and outscoring their opponents 7-1 in the process to solidifying first place early in the season. In those two games, the Pandas registered 41 shots and earned 15 corner kicks, showing just how much power their offence can generate.

UVic (1-0-1, 4th place Canada West) is coming off a strong start of their own with a 1-1 tie with Regina and 2-0 win over Winnipeg.

The departure of midfielder #Jaclyn Sawicki# (Coquitlam, B.C.), who was selected as the only CIS player on the national team roster earlier this week for the upcoming exhibition series against the U.S., leaves a hole in midfield, but Vikes head coach Tracy David said it provides an opportunity for another player to step up.

"We are excited and pleased Jaclyn has been selected for this opportunity," said Vikes women's soccer head coach #Tracy David#. "And with this opportunity for Jaclyn, a door opens for someone else to come in and get an opportunity to play with the Vikes. I think with the chemistry, people understand that and are willing to work hard for each other and battle for each other."

The Pandas, Canada West bronze medallist the past two seasons, are led by goalkeeper Kelti Biggs, the 2010 Canada West rookie of the year, and a pair of dangerous senior strikers in Heather Lund, league goal scorer with four tallies already, and Sarah Smyth. Elise Emmott and freshman Dominica Wronski are players to watch in the midfield, while rookie strikes Annalise Schellenberg adds depth up front for Alberta.

On Sept. 18, the Vikes face the Saskatchewan Huskies (1-1-0, T-5th Canada West), which rebounded after an opening-day loss to Calgary to thump Lethbridge 4-0 last Sunday. Daniela Fuenzalida leads the Huskies with four points (3G, 1A), while Elizabeth Hudon, the 2010 Canada West leading scorer, had a goal and two assists on the opening weekend of play. While the Huskies have never made the Canada West women's soccer playoffs, they have a strong roster in place for the season.

"We have to prepare as we always prepare, playing two very, very good teams," David said. "Last year we were beaten by both of them. Alberta has probably the most potent offence in the country, so we're going to have to have a good day."

Vikes veteran midfielder #Jacqueline Harrison# said she is excited about the challenge ahead.

"They are both very strong teams, Alberta especially," Harrison said. "We're ready to win and come out and get six points. It gives us confidence up front that we have depth all over the ages, not only the veterans, but the rookies as well."

Sept. 17 - 12 p.m. vs:
ALBERTA PANDAS (2-0-0, T-1st Canada West)
Last Weekend: Defeated Calgary 4-1, Defeated Lethbridge 3-0
Last Meeting: Alberta 2 UVic 0 (2011 Spring Keg Cup at UVic) / Alberta 5 UVic 0 (Oct. 17, 2010 - regular season in Edmonton)
2010 conference record: 10-2-2 (1st)
2010 playoffs: 1-1
Last CW title: 2001
Last CIS title: 2001
2010 CIS ranking: #4
2010 CW ranking: #2
Key additions: Annalise Schellenberg (S), Dominica Wronski (M)
Key returnees: Kelti Biggs (GK), Heather Lund (S), Sarah Smyth (S), Elise Emmot (M)
Key departures: Keshia Wallin (D), Christina Le (S)
 
Sept. 18 - 12 p.m. vs:
SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES (1-1-0, T-5th Canada West)
Last Weekend: Defeated Lethbridge 4-0, Lost to Calgary 2-1
Last Meeting: Saskatchewan 2 UVic 1 (Oct. 16, 2010 - regular season in Saskatoon)
2010 conference record: 7-6-1 (5th)
2010 playoffs: N/A
Last CW title: N/A
Last CIS title: N/A
2010 CIS ranking: N/A
2010 CW ranking: #6
Key additions: Kelly Cerkowniak, Carmen Gorlick, Aashna Singhi
Key returnees: Elizabeth Hudon, Daniela Fuenzalida, Leanne Mylymok
Key departures: Jamie LeMay, Sarah Laverty, Courtney Laverty, Maria Rogal