1989 University of Victoria Women’s Field Hockey “An Undefeated Season” Roster | NAME | POSITION | ELIG. | ACADEMICS |
| Debbie Whitten | GK | 5 | Education |
| Cara Jay | MF | 1 | Science |
| Harriet Wheatley | MF | 2 | Arts & Science |
| Carmen Kirkness | MF | 4 | Human Performance |
| Terri McLeod | GK | 2 | Human Performance |
| Robin Vinge | D | 2 | Biology |
| Nicole Heisterman | MF | 2 | Biochemistry |
| Denise Mason | S | 5 | History in Art |
| Gillian Szamosi | F | 3 | Bio/P.E |
| Sue Reid | F | 2 | Arts & Science |
| Jessica McAlpine | F | 3 | Arts & Science |
| Kolette Bourne | F | 4 | Elem. Education |
| Erin Biddlecombe | MF | 4 | Human Performance |
| Rochelle Low | F | 3 | Human Performance |
| Milena Gaiga | F | 3 | Exercise Physiology |
Lynne Beecroft (Head Coach)
Barb Taylor (Assistant Coach)
Tami Chan (Trainer)
Biography University of Victoria women’s field hockey head coach
Lynne Beecroft led a very experience team to one of the most successful seasons for the Vikettes. Captained by Junior National team members
Debbie Whitten and
Milena Gaiga, the Vikettes' Canada West regular season record was an impressive 10-0-2. Collectively they scored 23 goals and allowed only two goals.
Kolette Bourne, Erin Biddlecombe, Rochelle Low and
Carmen Kirkness also represented Canada in international competition the previous summer
. Mid-way through their regular season, the Vikettes travelled to Manitoba for their second, league weekend double header. The 1989 veteran squad swept their opponents 2-1 against British Columbia, 4-0 against Manitoba, 1-0 against Alberta and 3-0 against Calgary. Canada West All-Stars included, Biddlecombe, Kirkness, Low and
Sue Reid. Low was also Canada West lead scorer with seven goals, followed by Biddlecombe with six goals and Bourne with three goals.
The team travelled to Toronto, Ontario for the Canadian Interuniversity Athletics Union (CIAU) national championships. Historically, UVic has played the University of Toronto in the CIAUs two times and lost in the final game both times. But with an undefeated regular season under their belt the Vikettes were ready to battle for the title. Biddlecombe ensured round-robin game one against the University of New Brunswick with the lone goal. The Vikettes faced York University in round-robin game two and swept them 3-0 with goals from
Nicole Heisterman, Kirkness and Gaiga.
With a 0-2 history loaming in the background, the Vikettes met U of T in the semifinals. In a clench biting game, Bourne's loan goal advanced the Vikettes to the finals, crushing their Toronto rivals. York University would have an opportunity to redeem themselves as they met UVic in the gold medal game. With two goals from Kirkness the Vikettes defeated York 2-1 capturing their third CIAU national championship.
The 1989 season was the first undefeated season in Vikette history. Biddlecombe, Gaiga, Kirkness and Low were all named to CIAU Tournament 11 All-Star teams. Biddlecombe was named CIAU First Team All-Canadian and teammate Low Second Team All-Canadian.
Many members of the 1989 UVic women’s field hockey team successfully extended their careers athletically and professionally. Gaiga, Low and Whitten represented Canada in the 1992 Barcelona Summer Games. Erin Biddlecombe received her doctorate and is now a chiropractic physician in Nanaimo, BC.
Season SummaryCanada West all-stars: Erin Biddlecombe, Carmen Kirkness, Rochelle, Low Sue Reid
CIAU Record: 4-0 (Gold)
CIAU Tournament XI: Erin Biddlecombe, Milena Gaiga, Carmen Kirkness, Rochelle Low
CIAU First Team All-Canadian: Erin Biddlecombe
CIAU Second Team All-Canadian: Rochelle Low
