VICTORIA— Following a successful Okanagan tour that saw the Vikes collect two wins over Thompson Rivers and UBC Okanagan, the University of Victoria Vikes women's soccer team hits the road again, traveling to Prince George, B.C. for a double header against the UNBC Timberwolves, Sept. 27 and 28. The Vikes will be looking to improve their shooting accuracy after tallying only once in each of the past two games. 
 
SCHEDULE  |  ROSTER
 
The Vikes are 3-0-1 for the season and drop from No. 6 to No. 9 in the CIS. The Timberwolves are unranked with a 0-4-2 record, sitting last in the conference's Pacific Division. Now two years in to their Canada West membership, UNBC looks to improve on their 2013-14 record of 1-9-2.
 
With only one Timberwolves player departing, UNBC's bench is packed with veterans, including Jessica Erickson, Fiona Raymond and Tianna Pius.
Last weekend the Vikes came away with two wins over their Okanagan opponents, both games resulting in a 1-0 difference. Carly Branion-Clales and Emma Greig were the lone Vikes scorers despite Victoria dominating the play in both matches. On Friday the Vikes had only eight of their 17 chances on target, while Saturday's contest had eight of 16 chances on net. The stats speak for themselves, as the Vikes will be working hard on their finishing from now through the weekend.

Despite the score margins, the Vikes women are still coming away with the points they need, tying only one game to date against the reigning CIS champions, Trinity Western, who scored in the 81^st minute to earn the draw.

The season may be short but the Vikes know that peaking for the CIS National Championship is every team's ultimate goal. This year that championship will be out east at the University of Laval, Nov. 6-9. The road will be tough but the Vikes will rely upon on every ounce of their depth to get there.
 
From back to front that will include third-year transfer but first-year Vike Meaghan Storie, who has logged 90 minutes in all four of the Vikes' opening games. With only two goals against and a save percentage of 0.50, the five-foot-seven net minder is going to continue to be a critical piece to the Vikes' success.

Supporting her has been fifth-year defender Cassie Dennis and her back line that highlights Elise Butler, Lindsay Machin and Mallory Hackett. All four have had regular minutes for the Vikes and have proved their value in the back field.

Through the midfield veterans Jaclyn Sawicki and Branion-Calles have undoubtedly been the glue for the team. Both bring incredible speed, skill and vision to the game and are important assets to sparking the Vikes' attack. That attack of course has been majorly under the responsibility of fourth-year striker Emma Greig and third-year forward Sarah Douglas.

In and around that frame work of experience the Vikes have had important contributions off the bench including minutes from defenders Olivia Swinton and Maryse Reichgeld, as well as midfielders Caitlin Milham and Natasha Magnus.
 
The Vikes will travel to Prince George for a game each on Sept. 27 and 28 at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Both games will be available on canadawest.tv with live video and stats.
 
SCOUTING THE UNBC TIMBERWOLVES
CW Preseason Coaches' Poll Ranking: 14th overall, 7th in Pacific
2013-14 CW Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 CIS Tournament Placing: N/A
2013-14 Conference Record: 1-9-2
Last CW Title: N/A
Last CIS Title: N/A
Key Returnees:  F Sidney Roy, F Sydney Hall, GK Jordan Hall, Katie M Blokker, M Jessica Erickson, D Fiona Raymond, D Tanya Grob, D Georgia Lahti, M Tianna Pius
Key additions: M Madison Emmond, M Kylie Erb, D MacKenzie Ricard, D Alena Carlile, M Anna Greenbaum
Key departures: M Jessica Manning