CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos and the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds took to the field hockey turf Saturday as they both battled for different Canada West playoff positions. It was the T-Birds who were able to take flight, as they took a convincing 3-0 win over the Dinos.

The T-Birds received goals from fourth year twins, Chelsea and Kathryn MacPherson (New Westminster, B.C), and Victoria Pearson (2nd, Tsawassen, B.C.), and received a solid performance from their goalkeeper Katie Graham (4th, Vancouver) on an afternoon where the Dinos were unable mount any significant offensive pressure.

Dinos coach Jenn Swagar points to psychological factors as perhaps being a reason for the loss.

“The girls played alright out there, but seemed fatigued, both mentally and physically” explained Swagar, “we struggled with really basic things out there, which are things we can improve on.”

“We have a young team, and they (UBC) have an older team, it's natural that they would be able to be more mentally tough. However we need to get through the growing pains and learn how to bounce back mentally from early deficits, stuff like that” continued Swagar.

The Dinos received an admirable performance from their first year goalkeeper Stephanie Petrowitsch (Calgary), who was continually faced with UBC pressure in the Dino zone. Team leader Kaelyn Barrie (4th, Calgary) was solid for the Dinos as well, showing great toughness and determination throughout the game.

The Dinos' playoff hopes were hit with a setback Saturday in more ways than one, as an Alberta tie against Victoria in Edmonton puts even more pressure on Calgary to put up some points against their B.C. rivals.

The Dinos look to regroup in all facets quickly, as the two schools meet again Sunday at 1 o'clock on Hawkings Field at the U of C.

-UC-