WSOC: Timberwolves vs Dinos/Vikes Playoff Preview

Women's Soccer
October 25, 2017

Canada West Women’s Soccer Quarterfinal Weekend Preview
UNBC (#6 Pacific) vs Calgary (#3 Prairie) @Victoria
October 27th @ 2 PM PT

Winner of UNBC/Calgary @ Victoria (#2 Pacific)
October 29th @ 2 PM PT


UNBC Timberwolves (3-7-4)
6th in Pacific Division Standings
9 Goals For
21 Goal Against
Goals Leader : Tianna Pius : 3 Goals
Assists Leader :  Tianna Pius, Paige Payne : 2 Assists
Points Leader : Tianna Pius : 5 Points
Saves Leader : Brooke Molby : 51 Saves

Player to Watch:
Mara McCleary, D
The anchor of a much-improved Timberwolves defense, McCleary uses her long frame to make an impact every game. Having played every minute of every game in her Canada West career, the native of Victoria will play an important role in trying to keep the TWolves backline composed against a diverse Dinos attack.


Calgary Dinos (7-4-3)
3rd in Prairie Division Standings
22 Goal For
7 Goals Against
Goals Leader : Maddison Fritze, Kelsie MacDonald : 7 Goals
Assists Leader : Montana Leonard : 5 Assists
Points Leader : Maddison Fritze : 10 Points
Saves Leader : Lauren Houghton : 49 Saves

Player to Watch:
Maddison Fritze, F
The Dinos possess two players who managed seven goals this season; Fritze and Kelsie MacDonald. Fritze’s ten points were good for sixth in the conference, while she scored three game-winners. The fourth-year native of Edmonton will be a handful on Friday. 

Victoria Vikes (9-1-4)
2nd in Pacific Division Standings
26 Goals For
6 Goals Against
Goals Leader : Kiara Kilbey : 9 Goals
Assists Leader : Emily Lieuwen : 4 Assists
Points Leader : Kiara Kilbey : 10 Points
Saves Leader : Puck Louwes : 46 Saves

Player to Watch:
Kiara Kilbey, F
A goal-scorer in the purest sense, Kilbey was second in Canada West scoring with nine goals. Hardly the most imposing player on the pitch at just five-foot-five, the Victoria native is dangerous every time she gets the ball. 


Quotes:
UNBC Head Coach Neil Sedgwick

On qualifying for the Canada West playoffs…
“Making the playoffs is truly the result of many years of work. The program is new, and had to go through tough years to get to a year where it can make playoffs. It isn’t simply about this group of players who are here now, but it is a credit to the players and coaches of who have preceded this group. Like anything, to reach the highs you typically have to experience lows. We have a short history as a program, but making the playoffs is about the history of the program as much as it is the present.”


On Friday’s matchup with the Dinos…
“Calgary is an extremely well organized and athletic group. We will have to be on our game. The great part about the Timberwolves players is that they all pull in the same direction and they have all developed into adaptable individuals. They are excited about the challenge.”

On preparing for a playoff game…
“We prepare for opposition regularly. It is routine for the coaching staff and the team. As far as x’s and o’s are concerned it is the same as any other preparation. Emotionally, of course, it is different. Having said that, the pressure is on Calgary and not on a group of players who are in the playoffs for the first time.”