After going 4-3 in the pre-season against National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) opponents, the Cascades were looking to bring their momentum with them into the regular season. Starting on the road, the Cascades opened the weekend in Victoria against the University of Victoria (UVic) Vikes on Friday, and in Vancouver against the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds on Saturday.
On Friday, Sept. 6, the Cascades ventured to Vancouver Island to start their regular season against Victoria. UVIC and UFV stood locked at 0-0 after the first half, with the Vikes having only one more shot than the Cascades. Unfortunately for the Cascades, the tie would not stand the entire duration of the game. At just over 71 minutes of play, the Vikes’ Nikki Virk was able to find the back of the net with a 20-yard shot.
While shots were tied throughout the game, the difference was the shots that hit the net. With both teams capping out at 10 shots, the Cascades were only able to make six shots, opposed to the Vikes’ nine. Virk’s late-game goal resulted in the Cascades starting their season off 0-1.
Continuing the weekend, the Cascades made their way back to the mainland to face off against the UBC Thunderbirds. This was the first time the teams had met in the regular season since last October, where the Cascades and Thunderbirds tied with two goals each.
For most of the first half of regulation, the score was locked with neither team able to capitalize on their opportunities. After 38 minutes however, Bryana Buttar stopped the Thunderbirds from advancing up the field by intercepting a UBC pass. With possession 22 yards out from the net, Buttar lobbed the ball over the Thunderbirds goaltender, marking the first goal of regular season for the Cascades and for Buttar.
The Cascades were able to hold this 1-0 lead for the majority of the game. Unfortunately for the Cascades, as the contest came closer to concluding, the Thunderbirds remained on the attack. Throughout the second half of play, UBC took eight shots, doubling the Cascades’. As the game was only minutes from concluding, the Thunderbirds were able to capitalize from their late-game pressure, bringing the score to 1-1. With less than three minutes left of play, neither team was able to find one more goal.
At the end of the Cascades’ first weekend, their record stands at 0-1-1. After a six-day break, the Cascades will continue their season at home against the Manitoba Bisons on Sept. 13, and the Winnipeg Wesmen on Sept. 14. Both games will be held at Matsqui Recreation Centre.
Image: UFV Athletics
