CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos came into this weekend's set against the University of Alberta Pandas needing two wins to make their lives easier as they attempt to qualify for CIS nationals. The Dinos tied their Alberta rivals 1-1, and now face a massive uphill climb as they hope to keep their playoff hopes alive.

A fantastic goal off of a short corner from rookie Jackie Trautman (Delta, BC), punctuated the Alberta dominance of the first half. Owning ball possession for the majority of the first 35 minutes; the Pandas seemed unwilling to let playoff positioning get interesting in Canada West.

Calgary did manage to salvage the tie after coming back strong in the second, receiving and making good on a penalty corner shot from Heather Bain (2nd, Calgary). Promising rookies Carolina Romeo (1st, Calgary) and Megan Lee (1st, Calgary) went unrewarded after strong individual second half play.

The Dinos showed encouraging grit and determination in the second stanza, balancing the Pandas counter attack admirably while still creating opportunities for themselves.

The young Dinos have no other option at this point; win out and hope that the Pandas can cooperate. In the final three Canada West games of 2008, Calgary will need three wins and either three Panda losses, or two Panda losses and one tie against UBC. A tough task indeed, however as the old cliché goes: anything can happen.

The two schools face off again tomorrow, Sunday October 12th, on Hawkings Field at the University of Calgary.

-UC-