VICTORIA - Last year, the University of Victoria Vikes surrendered the most goals against (38) in the Canada West. In Jas Lally's previous four years and 21 games with the Vikes, he only recorded three shutouts.

After the Vikes latest 2-0 victory Friday night over the University of Alberta Golden Bears, Lally now has four shutouts on the season. Average out one sub-par weekend in the Interior and the Vikes would also be in the top of the league in allowing the fewest goals.

"Its' more or a team thing. We have some young guys that have matured very quickly and I've really matured over my time here. Everyone on the back end is doing their job. I'm just happy to help out," said Lally. 

Lally's fourth blank slate nearly didn't happen. One of the Vikes top defenders almost committed an own goal. 

Cam Borrett came steaming down the left sideline for the Golden Bears. His centering kick nearly got deflected in by Vikes defender Evan Libke, but Lally made the reflexive diving save.

"It was really wet out there; you never know what's going to happen," said the Surrey, B.C. product Lally. "I remember it got whipped in and it got banked off somebody. I didn't really think about it. It was just a reaction save."

The close call on one end lead to a wild exchange where the Vikes bagged the eventual game winner.

Down on the end line, Isaac Koch tried to pound a hole through Liam Collens, who was making his first career start between the pipes. Collens couldn't swallow up the shot and the ball leaked out to Nick Park near the left post. He kicked it into the open net for his second of the season during the 38^th minute.  

"That series totally changed the outcome of the game," said Vikes Assistant Coach Nico Craveiro. "The guys could see the confidence in Jas and it put them at ease and made their jobs easier."

Despite two more headers in tight from Ian Whibley and Libke, the Vikes only took a 1-0 lead into the break.

Wanting more, the Vikes came out firing in the second half.

They tried force the issue with three free kicks, one corner and two headers on net within the opening 10 minutes, but Collens stood his ground. He ended the evening with three saves.

Libke used his head again in the 66th minute off a free kick from Niko Cristante, but they couldn't buy the extra insurance.

The Vikes (4-3-0) finally broke through in the 79^th minute. Jack Hill found Cristante in the middle of the field. Cristante spun, switched feet and curled in a shot from 25 yards out, banking off the left post and in for his second of the season.

"Niko is one of our older players and we look to him for leadership in moments like that. He has that shot from the outside down right now and he has scored a pair of big ones for us this year so far," said Craveiro.

In the closing minutes, the Vikes back line didn't bend and didn't allow the Golden Bears (1-3-1) anymore glorious opportunities.

The latest Lally shutout pushes the Vikes to 3-0 at home on Friday nights this season. All three victories have been shutouts by Lally. The trick is not to let up in the weekend finale. Libke felt like the Vikes left valuable points on the board last weekend when they got shutout 2-0 by the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. The Vikes are hoping they have the answers come Sunday afternoon.

"We need to approach every game like its an important one. All teams are difficult no matter where they are in the standings. We need to treat every game the same. If we don't give up any goals, I like our chances," said Craverio.

The Vikes are off tomorrow and return to action Sunday afternoon when the University of Saskatchewan Huskies (1-2-2) roll into town. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Centennial Stadium.