It's a big weekend for the UNBC Timberwolves women's soccer squad.
The lady wolves are currently 2-0-0 to start the 2019-20 season after beating Thompson Rivers University on Sept. 5 (1-0) and UBC-Okanagan Heat on Sept. 7 (2-0), both wins coming on the home pitch at Masich Place Stadium.
They now hit the road for two matches in the Prairies this weekend against the Saskatchewan Huskies and Regina Cougars this weekend (Sept. 14 and 15).
First up is a clash of the dogs against the Huskies.
Both teams will be looking to come out with a third win and remain undefeated.
“Going on the road is always a fun but trying experience, especially in first year," UNBC goalkeeper Brooke Molby says in a release. "We’re travelling all the way to Saskatchewan so my advice to the first years is take time to rest when you can but remember to enjoy the time with the team and be focused when game time comes. These trips with your teammates are what you remember in the long run, not the results.”
Here's how the two teams stack up:
UNBC Timberwolves
- First in Pacific Division Standings
- Four goals for
- Zero goals against
- Goals leader: Sofia Jones (2)
- Assists leader: Sofia Jones, Paige Payne, Julia Babicz, Mikaela Cadorette (1)
- Points leader: Sofia Jones (3)
- Saves leader: Madison Doyle (4)
Saskatchewan Huskies
- First in Prairie Division Standings
- Six goals for
- One goal against
- Goals leader: Maya Gabruch (3)
- Assists leader: Gabruch, Hayward, Wiegers, Zapski, Zdunich-Costa, Gannitos-Clark (1)
- Points leader: Maya Gabruch (3)
- Saves leader: Jadyn Steinhauer (7)
Timberwolf star Paige Payne has continued her excellence from last season into this year.
She scored the first goal of the 2019-20 campaign against TRU in the 10th minute and added an assist against UBCO, which put her into the history books becoming the all-time points leader in UNBC women's soccer history with 18 points, passing Sidney Roy.
Another bright star for the Timberwolves has been Sofia Jones.
Jones has two goals on the season along with one assist, which puts her in the lead for points on the squad.
Herself and Payne will be ones to watch this weekend.
PREVIEW: @UNBCWSoccer heads east this weekend for a @CanadaWest Prairie roadtrip against the @HuskieAthletics & @ReginaCougars. Check out a full statistical preview, players to watch, and hear from @UNBC keeper Brooke Molby: https://t.co/sqcTqrU1nk pic.twitter.com/EaJ3NELF6A
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) September 12, 2019
UNBC will then have a date against the Regina Cougars on Sunday (Sept. 15).
Here's how the season breaks down for Regina to date.
Regina Cougars
- Record: 1-1-0
- Three goals for
- Four goals against
- Goals leader: Jet Davies, Olivia Gables, Jessica Merk (1)
- Assists leader: Kyra Vibert (1)
- Points leader: Davies, Gables, Merk (1)
- Saves leader: Kylie Bolton (6)
“The Cougars were dangerous on set pieces and through balls last season," Timberwolves' Molby adds. "For us to succeed against them we need to be willing to put our bodies on the line and head the ball as much as possible. Through balls are always a threat, so communication between our backline and Madi (Doyle) and I will be key. We are capable of doing well against this team, we just need to stay organized and focused throughout the game.”
Game time on Saturday (Sept. 14) against Saskatchewan is set for 2 p.m. Pacific, while Sunday's match against Regina will kick off at 3 p.m. Pacific.
Episode 2 of @UNBC TIMBER TALK! We asked @UNBCMSoccer what teammate would be the ideal @AmazingRaceCDA partner, and asked @UNBCWSoccer what teammate would they least want to be handcuffed to for an entire day! Take a minute and enjoy their honesty. pic.twitter.com/dMiA6ckp8T
— UNBC Athletics (@UNBCATHLETICS) September 12, 2019
