VICTORIA— The University of Victoria Vikes women's rugby team heads into a two-game weekend against the Alberta Pandas and Lethbridge Pronghorns, looking to bounce back from their loss against the Calgary Dinos this past weekend.
 
On Friday the Vikes face the the Pandas, last year's CIS national champions. While the Pandas lost a number of fourth and fifth year players this season, the Alberta squad still packs more experience than the rookie filled Victoria roster. Alberta is currently ranked No. 1 in the CIS and are coming off of a 24-13 victory over Lethbridge last weekend.
 
Jess Neilson was the only point scorer for the Vikes against Calgary in their home opener. The second year moves from fly-half to fullback for the upcoming weekend. Kara Galbraith and Gurpreet Dhaliwal also came out strong.

"Keep your eye on Tiffany Picketts, a developing prop. She is very athletic and improves with every game," said Vikes head coach Mark Hall. "Also watch for Laura Crowe-Hutchon, she's everywhere on the field and an extremely talented back row player."
 
Friday sees Hall testing out new Vikes players in preparation for Sunday's match against Lethbridge. "We'll be playing our strongest possible team against Lethbridge. They have a number of players that will need close attention if we want to win."
 
"We had many encouraging patches of play last weekend, so we're looking for 70 minutes of consistent play this Sunday, not just 40 minutes as was the case with Calgary," said Hall, adding "We get stronger every year and the depth of the team is increasing."
 
The Vikes continue their Canada West season at home against the Alberta Pandas on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. and the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Sept. 28 at 11:30 a.m., both at Wallace Field.
 
SCOUTING THE ALBERTA PANDAS
2012 conference record: 4-0-0 (1st)
2012 playoffs: 4-1 (CW gold, CIS bronze)
Last CW title: 2012
Last CIS title: 2003
CIS ranking: #2
CW Ranking: #1
Key additions: Samantha Jory (Back Row), Grace Quaale (Scrum Half), Julia Goss (Centre), Ashley Amson (Back Row) and Kaitlyn Cumming (Back 3)
Key returnees: Louise Chavarie (Lock), Chelsea Guthrie (Scrum Half), Miranda Monty (Back Row), Amee Svatos (Back Row), Rebecca Fairbairn (Back 3)
Key departures: Carmen Hobbs (Hooker), Paige Farries (Centre)

SCOUTING THE LETHBRIDGE PRONGHORNS
2012 conference record: 2-2-0 (3rd)
2012 playoffs: 1-1 (CW 3rd)
Last CW title: 2011
Last CIS title: 2009
CIS ranking: #9
CW Ranking: #3
Key additions: Alison Toews, Lisa Hildebrand
Key returnees: Kim Leavitt, Lindsey Duxbury, Jillian Ankutowicz, Tiffany Wideen, Sarah Gordon
Key departures: Brandi Van Eeuwen, Kendra Reeves, Laura Murphy-Burke, Alex Hendricks