WSOC: Timberwolves Open Season With 3-0 Victory Over WolfPack

Women's Soccer
September 8, 2017

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.

It took just one game for the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves to equal their entire scoring output from the 2016 Canada West season.


The Timberwolves opened the 2017 campaign with a 3-0 victory over a visiting Thompson Rivers WolfPack, on September 17th, 2017.

“We got the win we were looking for,” said senior forward Tianna Rossi. “But more than that, we were able to play as a unit and accomplish some of the things we have been working on. It was exceptional to come out and put on a show for our fans.”


The TWolves and Pack played a tough first 20 minutes, but neither could manage to open the scoring, despite some excellent chances from UNBC 4th-year Sidney Roy.

In the 29th minute, 5th year Rhianne Ferdinandi found the back of the net off a scramble around TRU goalkeeper Danielle Robertson. It was the first goal of the New Westminster native’s Canada West career.


That was the spark the Timberwolves needed, as they began to dictate play. Robertson was tested repeatedly, but the first half ended with a 1-0 game.

UNBC coach Neil Sedgwick made some substitutions at halftime, and the fresh faces gave the TRU backline problems immediately.


In the 47th minute, 5th-year Tianna Rossi made no mistake with a low shot that found the inside of the right post to double the Timberwolves lead.

Just four minutes later, Rossi again found the scoresheet, this time on a great ball from Maddy Doucette.


“We have been working a lot on our offense and it is paying off,” said Rossi. “I was fortunate to get two today, which is thanks to my teammates. Maddy worked hard to get a couple crosses to me. Mara (McCleary), Rhianne (Ferdinandi), and everyone are working hard out here and it showed today.”

The TWolves pressure continued, hitting as Rossi and Madison Emmond each hit the crossbar behind Robertson in the 86th minute, but the final whistle would blow with the Timberwolves taking a 3-0 decision.


UNBC outshot TRU 20-2, including 13 on net. Freshman Madi Doyle made the start for the Timberwolves, earning a one-save shutout in her Canada West debut.

WolfPack freshman Rylee Singleterry was named her team’s MVP, and noted UNBC feeding off the home crowd as a huge factor in the Timberwolves aggressiveness and energy.


“They came in really hungry and really wanting to win. They got to the ball first every single time, and had that confidence.”

Rossi and the Timberwolves will welcome UBC Okanagan on Sunday, September 10th. The Prince George native says this this year’s edition of the TWolves has put the work in to feel ready for these moments.


“We are coming in more confident this year,” said Rossi. “Coach Sedgwick is recruiting great talent and we are working really well as a unit.”

Tianna Pius was named Game MVP for the Timberwolves.