Prince George, B.C. - The University of Victoria women's soccer team opened the weekend with a 4-0 victory over the University of Northern British Columbia, Oct. 4 at Masich Place.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Murphy puts the Vikes up early

• Ruby Nicholas intercepted an over-shot pass by the Timberwolves, then sent the ball across the box to unmarked Sophie Murphy who connected in-stride to send the ball to the back of the net and give the Vikes a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.

Vande Vegte scores first of the year

• In the 27th minute, a high cross from Brianne McLeish went straight to the head of Tess Vande Vegte inside the six-yard box, setting Vande Vegte up for her first goal of the season and putting the Vikes up 2-0. 

McLeish gives Vikes three-goal lead before half

• In the 44th minute, McLeish took off on a breakaway, getting a shot off past the UNBC goalkeeper moving towards the top of the box for the 3-0 Vikes lead.

Phelan scores first as a Vike

• A throw in by Adrianna Hilton was headed by Murphy and sent in the direction of Malia Phelan, who fired a high shot from the top of the box over the outstretched hand of the Timberwolves' keeper to seal the 4-0 win for the Vikes in the 87th minute.

FROM THE FIELD - Sophie Murphy
"I think we worked really well on the wings, and got a lot of crosses in. We never gave up on the fight, they [UNBC] were great competition, and we had to fight for our win today. UNBC has a really good way of breaking out, and I think our team did well with their centrebacks coming up high; we shifted well. I think our success came from our press like that. Overall it was a team win, we all worked really well together."

WORTH NOTING

• The four goals scored by the Vikes tie for most scored in a single game this season by the program, and was also the fourth time the Vikes have scored four goals this year.
• Kayley Lidstone recorded four saves in the clean sheet, marking the second-straight shutout by Lidstone and the Vikes' defence. 
• Victoria out-shot UNBC 28-5, and 18-4 in shots on goal.
• Sophie Murphy's goal marked her fourth of the year, while Brianne McLeish recorded her second of the season. Tess Vande Vegte and Malia Phelan each recorded their first goal of the year, while Phelan's also marked the first of her Vikes career.
• Ruby Nicholas' assist on the first goal of the game marked her 11th point of the year, bringing her into a tie for most in Canada West.
• Victoria moves to 6-1-3 on the season with the win, while UNBC falls to 1-8-0 with the loss.

UP NEXT
The Vikes head to the University of British Columbia, matching up Sunday, Oct. 6 at 1 p.m. Catch the game on Canada West TV.