VICTORIA - The University of Victoria Vikes women's field hockey team conceded a 3-1 loss to their heavy weight mainland rivals, the UBC Thunderbirds, who boast nine players with national team experience. Both the Birds and Vikes have already qualified for the Nov. 1-4 national championships, hosted in Toronto, with the Birds far enough ahead in the conference to guarantee them their 10th consecutive Canada West banner.

The Thunderbirds opened the scoring in the 13th minute of play on a goal by third-year defender Cassie Tayler. The Vikes held off the majority of the Birds' pressure throughout the game and were able to get a tying goal in the 25th minute. First-year Vike Amanda Kurianowicz (Calgary, AB) netted the lone UVic goal as she capitalized on a two-on-one opportunity wtih fellow rookie Mei Lin Cheung (Kamloops, BC). Kurianowicz now leads the Vikes in scoring with three goals.

"We had a pretty good start in the first half entering the break with a tie," said Vikes head coach Lynne Beecroft. "With a young team we are bound to have a few and ups and downs. Now, it's just about preparing for the national championships." 

The Vikes battled throughout the game and were able to hold off the powerhouse Thunderbirds to a 1-1 draw entering the break. 

Third-year forward Kate Gillis, helped to get things turned around for the 'Birds in the second half. The five-foot-ten speedster gave UBC the lead again in the 42nd minute, firing a low shot inside the far post to beat Vikes keeper Sheriden Goodmanson (Victoria, BC).

Gillis was credited UBC's third field goal of the match in the 51st minute off a UVic own goal despite the Vikes making the necessary adjustments to tighten their backfield up. UBC defender Miranda Mann was called upon late in the game to make a stick save on the line and keep the Birds' two-goal advantage.

The 3-1 victory for the Thunderbirds pushes their record to 7-0-0, with the regular season finale going tomorrow against Victoria at 1 p.m at UBC's Wright Field. Following the Oct. 21 match the Canada West banner will be presented along with the annoucement of the Canada West All-Stars and major award winners.

Both teams will advance to the CIS Championship, which runs November 1-4 in Toronto.

UBC goals:
#14 Cassie Tayler 13th minute
#3 Kate Gillis 42 minute
#3 Kate Gillis 51 minute (UVic own goal)

UBC GK:
#1 Bea Francisco 70 mins, 1 GA 

VIC goals:
#6 Amanda Kurianowicz 25 minute

VIC GK: 
#1 Sheriden Goodmanson 70 mins, 3 GA