WSOC: Spartans pull away, top gritty TWolves 5-2
The Trinity Western Spartans showed why they’re the top-ranked team in U SPORTS, topping the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves 5-2 on Friday, October 4th, in Prince George, B.C.
“I think the Timberwolves gave us a hard-fought battle. They made us work for that win,” said TWU’s Kristen Sakaki, postgame. “As a team we stayed in the battle, stayed in the fight, and ultimately came through with our goals. We are thankful, for sure.”
The TWolves responded later in the half, when Jenna Wild and Sofia Jones played give-and-go, springing the San Francisco native, who beat goalkeeper Hannah Miller from ten yards out. The goal was the third of the season for the speedy third-year.
“We have been practicing those a lot, so it was nice to see those go in the back of the net,” said Robertson. “We have had those chances a lot, but to see those get placed where they need to be put is awesome.”
“It has been a drought for me,” said Sakaki. “The last two years I haven’t scored, so I was really happy to finally get that goal.”
The TWolves showed great resolve after going down three goals, and just four minutes after the Sakaki marker, UNBC’s Canada West All-Star Paige Payne got on the board. The forward, who was playing defense because of injuries, weaved her way to the 28-yard mark and crushed it top corner, beating a helpless Miller. The goal delighted to 200 in attendance, and drew the game to within two.
When the final whistle blew, shots on goal favoured the visitors 12-5. TWU improved to 8-0-1 with the victory, while the defeat dropped the Timberwolves Canada West record to an even 3-3-3.
The Spartans will travel east to clash with the Calgary Dinos on Sunday, in a battle of the only two undefeated teams in the conference, while the Timberwolves play host to the Fraser Valley Cascades, in their final home game of the regular season.
“It’s going to be an emotional day, on Sunday,” said Payne, postgame. “We are going to play UFV, and bring this momentum. We hope to finish this, compete hard, and get the results that we want.”