VICTORIA - #Kyla Kirby# scored early in the second half on a pretty set play to give the UVic Vikes women's field hockey team their first win of the season at the UVic Field Hockey Turf on Sunday.

With the win, the young Vikes improve to 1-3 in conference play.

The Vikes poured on the pressure early in the game, hungry for their first points in the Canada West season. UVic earned a penalty corner less than five minutes into the game, but the team was unable to capitalize. Although the Vikes backfield seemed to control the majority of possession, action was evident in both circles.

Alberta rookie and centre midfielder Alanna Macdonald was strong in leading the Alberta offence, helping earn their first penalty corner only 11 minutes in. Midfielder Jennifer Cousineau would strike the ball after a lay off but it just missed the near post. The Pandas would earn a second corner only a minute later, attempting the same play but Vikes defender #Carly Krestanovich# anticipated the shot.

Towards the end of the first half the Pandas began to capitalize off UVic outletting turnovers, generating several dangerous runs. Eventually, the Alberta offence was awarded with their third penalty corner and this time Jackie Trautman would drag the ball low and hard. UVic keeper #Kaitlyn Williams# calmly made the diving stick save.

The Vikes would earn a third corner before the half but #Sam Purcell#'s shot from the short side was blocked by Macdonald. Purcell would later collect a ball on the right side and cross it hard to a waiting #Whitney Siegmann# but her deflection floated just wide of the far post. Play intensified in the last two minutes of the game with #Chelsea Morton# blocking a fourth Alberta corner by Cousineau to keep the first half locked at 0-0.

UVic earned a penalty corner in the first six minutes of the second half but the option was mis-trapped and sailed off the end line. Minutes later, a strong run by #Courtney Low# down the right side seemed to be what Victoria needed to go ahead but Pandas keeper Tory Spencer made the save.

The Vikes would finally get on the board on a penalty corner when Kirby combined with #Alexis Veljacic# on a give and go play. Kirby calmly finished the ball to give the Vikes a 1-0 lead.

The Vikes continued to generate several chances in the second half but the Pandas defence held their own. The lone goal by Kirby would prevail and be all the Vikes would need to earn their first 3 points of the Canada West season.

"It was a great game. I think we worked really well as a team," Kirby said. "It feels awesome to score the game-winning goal and I think it's a good start. Next weekend is going to get even better and we are going to continue to work on our composure."

The Vikes will now move on to play UBC in Vancouver on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 at 1 p.m.