After spending last weekend playing two games at home, the Cascades headed east to play against the University of Calgary Dinos and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) Timberwolves. Heading into the weekend the Cascades held a record of 2-2-4.
Starting off the weekend, the Cascades were hosted by the division leader, Calgary Dinos on Friday. Before Friday, the Dinos had yet to lose a game in the regular season, and were sitting at a record of 6-0-2.
When the game began the Cascades looked to be affected by the long road trip. In the first half of play, they were only able to take a total of three shots, only one of which was on the net. In contrast, the Dinos made 13 shooting attempts, which forced UFV goaltender, Joven Sandhu, to make a total of five saves. Despite Sandhu’s best efforts, Dinos’ players Taylor Dangerfield and Sienna Prince-McPherson were able to capitalize in the first half, resulting in a 2-0 for the Dinos after the first half of play.
As play resumed in the second half, the Cascades seemed to have shaken off the road trip fatigue. After half-time, they were able to keep the Dinos to only three more shots — 10 less than the previous half. Although the Cascades seemed to correct their defensive struggles from the first half for the most part, Dinos’ Prince-McPherson scored her second of the night off an interception from UFV’s goaltender, Andrea Perkovic. Although there was still over 15 minutes left of play after Prince-McPherson’s goal, neither team would be able to find the back again. The game ended with the Cascades defeated, 3-0.
After Friday’s disappointing loss, however, the Cascades were given another chance to grab a win during the weekend in Prince George. In the game against UNBC, the Cascades started the match eager to start the scoring. With only allowing the Timberwolves to take three shots in the first half, while taking nine of their own, the Cascades’ Brittney Zacharuk was able to put the first point up on the board for the Cascades. This goal came a quarter into the game when Cascades’ Katie Lampen delivered a cross-field pass to Zacharuk. On the run, Zacharuk shot the ball into the net, past UNBC’s Brooke Molby.
Despite the Cascades heavily outshooting the Timberwolves in both halves, UNBC’s Sofia Jones was able to capitalize on a late-game shot in the 85th minute of play. With little time to answer, the Cascades ended the game with a 1-1 tie — their fifth tie of the season.
Next weekend the Cascades will be playing twice against the Trinity Western University Spartans. Friday, Oct. 11 will see the Cascades head to Langley’s Chase Office Field, followed by them returning to Matsqui Recreation Centre in Abbotsford on Sunday, Oct. 13.
Image: UFV Athletics
