CALGARY - The Dinos field hockey squad, which stays in Calgary after losing two games to the UBC Thunderbirds this past weekend, invite the University of Alberta Pandas to Hawkings Field for two games with big playoff implications this upcoming weekend. The Dinos need victories in both games to remain competitive with the Pandas for the third and final Canada West invitation to the CIS Championship.
The Pandas come off a very successful weekend in Edmonton, where they drew even with the Victoria Vikes on Saturday, and then earned a hard fought 1-0 victory over the Vikes on Sunday. Their second victory of the season over their BC opponents, coupled with a previous win over Calgary earlier in the season, has them in the driver's seat as they round out the season. Two wins over the Dinos would make the playoffs a reality for the Pandas.
The Dinos however, look to have a say in this matter, and in order for the Dinos to have a realistic shot at supplanting the Pandas in the standings, two victories this weekend are needed. If Calgary can re-create the effort of the second half of Sunday's game against UBC, they will have a solid chance of doing this.
Sunday's second half saw the Dinos do what coach Jenn Swagar believes they do best, dumping the ball down the turf and chasing it. The Dinos scored two quick goals on Canada West powerhouse UBC using this strategy, nearly completing the late comeback attempt before bowing out 3-2. Calgary will need to quickly find consistency in applying this type of pressure on their opponents.
Players such as Serena Lockhart (1st, Cobble Hill, BC) and Kaitlin Longworth (2nd, Calgary) among others could be the beneficiaries if the Dinos can apply this sort of offensive strategy on the Pandas. The continued strong play of goaltender Stephanie Petrowitsch (1st, Calgary) is also vital for the Dinos weekend hopes.
The Dinos begin the big weekend series against the Pandas on Saturday followed by a game on Sunday. Both games are on Hawkings Field at the University of Calgary at 1 p.m.
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