Vancouver, B.C. - A goal in the final five minutes by the University of British Columbia Okanagan halted the second-half comeback effort by the University of Victoria women's soccer team, handing the Vikes a 2-1 loss to the Heat on UBC's Ken Woods Field to open the 2023 season, Aug. 25.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• UBCO got on the board first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute.
• Rookie Adrianna Hilton pulled the Vikes even, finding the back of the net after an Emma Skalik corner kick to bring the score to 1-1.
• The Heat scored the game-winner in the 86th minute, capturing the 2-1 win.

WORTH NOTING

• Hilton made her first start as a Vike against the Heat, netting her first goal in the blue and gold during her first cap.
• A total of five first-years made their Vikes debuts in the season-opener in Hilton, Sophie Olcen, Brianne McLeish, Taiya Scorey, and Abby McDonald. 
• Victoria out-shot UBCO 15-12 overall and 7-5 in shots on goal, while also finishing with a 7-6 advantage in corner kicks over the Heat.
• The Vikes start the season with an 0-1 record, while the Heat open the year 1-0.
• The game was played on neutral ground on the campus of UBC due to the Kelowna wildfires impacting UBCO's ability to host the game.

UP NEXT
The Vikes face the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack tomorrow, Aug. 26 at 4 p.m. The game will also be played at UBC's Ken Woods Field.