VICTORIA – Riding the wave of their first Canada West Final Four appearance since 2017, the University of Victoria women's soccer team is poised to carry that momentum into the 2024 season. The Vikes will kick off their campaign on the road this Thursday, August 29, at 5:00 p.m. MT, facing Mount Royal University in a highly anticipated matchup.
While the team bids farewell to some veteran players from last season, the youthful Vikes squad is brimming with talent, ready to surprise their opponents. With many players honing their skills in BC and Alberta's League 1 over the summer, the Vikes are well-equipped to elevate their game and make an impact this season.
Key returners
Leading the team is the Vikes most experienced player, fifth-year goalkeeper and captain
Kayley Lidstone. Starting every game last season and boasting an 80 percent save average, Lidstone held teams to less than one goal a game. She may be the last line of defence, but it's a crucial last line, and she's ready for the job.
Returning for a third season is last year's Canada West assists leader (10) and Canada West Second Team All-Star
Ruby Nicholas. With ten assists and four goals, Nicholas led the team in points in 2023 and will undoubtedly look to continue that this season alongside her younger sister, Claire.
Among the key returners this season are Canada West Second Team All-Star
Sophie Fingarson and Canada West All-Rookie Team member
Adrianna Hilton. Though Hilton is recovering from an off-season injury, Fingerson will play a pivotal role in the midfield, stepping up in the absence of former captain
Emma Skalik. Joining her is
Taiya Scorey, a fast and dynamic player who made a strong impression with Harbourside FC in BC's League 1 this summer.
Off-season additions
Originally from Langley, B.C.,
Jayden Hannesson is a transfer from Idaho State University. At 5'9", Hannesson will add some much-needed height to the Vikes back line. A former B.C. provincial team player, Hannesson is no stranger to the Vikes, having previously played alongside St. Michael's University School alumnae,
Sophie Olcen and
Brianne McLeish.
Another standout from the preseason is first-year player
Raina Hagel from Comox, BC. A walk-on from the 2024 BC Highschool AA Provincial Champions, Ecole Mark R. Isfeld, Hagel is a talented striker who will step into the hole left by last year's scoring leader,
Erin Jensen. Another striker likely to see minutes is former Vancouver Island Wave player,
Malia Phelan.
Coaches notes
"We had a great last year and success against some good teams; however, we lost some major pieces so we will have to adjust the way we play and I expect some growing pains. Every time the season begins you look forward to starting with a new group or players who bring new energy, which I think is really motivating. It's both challenging and rewarding to put the pieces together," said
Tracy David, women's soccer head coach.
"It's like a puzzle, you're moving things around and trying to figure out where the pieces fit and when you solve the puzzle it's a great feeling."
The UVic women's soccer team begins its season Aug. 29 in Calgary against Mount Royal, watch live on
Canada West TV.
2024-25 Schedule
