CALGARY - Needing a win to keep their postseason chances viable, the University of Calgary Dinos answered the call in a big way, beating the visiting Saskatchewan Huskies by a score of 3-0.

BOX SCORE

All three of Calgary's goals came in the second half, with rookie Sarah Benson contributing two and forward Tessa Miller adding the other marker.Miller also added an assist on Benson's second goal, which moved her into a tie for first on the Canada West points list.

Saskatchewan goaltender Alicia Middlebrook made five saves in the loss, while Calgary keeper Kristen Barton made seven saves in the victory.

Huskies Midfielder Jamie LeMay had the only real chance of the first half, which resulted in a big collision between her and Barton. In a sprint down the left side with a Calgary defender trailing her, LeMay collided with Barton, who had sprawled out in an attempt to break up the opportunity. As the ball scooted away wide of the net, both players went down for a short while, but would each be able to continue on.

Just two minutes into the second half, rookie forward Sarah Benson struck gold, heading in a Deanna Fidler cross to bring the home-side up by one.The goal seemed to spark the Dinos' eventual control of the second half, who couldn't find any momentum in the first 45 minutes.

Tessa Miller scored her sixth goal of the season in the 68th minute, firing from just outside the middle of the penalty area over top of Middlebrook. The second year keeper got a hand on it, but just couldn't corral the shot in.

As added insurance, Benson would score again just four minutes later, where the Calgary native laid out to sneak a Tessa Miller cross just inside the left post.

Saskatchewan was led by their forward Elizabeth Hudon, who had four shots on goal. The fourth year striker has 12 points on the year, and is now tied with Miller for the Canada West lead.

Calgary head coach Robin Slot was thrilled with his team's performance in the second half.

“Saskatchewan comes out hard in the first half of games,” said Slot, “I had a feeling that if we could keep it tight in the first half, we might have a chance to exploit them in the second, and that's exactly what we were able to do.”

“We were winning balls, we played great defence, and we converted our offensive chances,” the coach continued. “I was very happy with the girls' effort.”

With the victory, Calgary (5-4-2) moves into sole possession of fourth place, now one point up on the Huskies. However with the unbeaten Alberta Pandas coming to Calgary tomorrow, it will be a challenge to remain in that spot. Fifth place Saskatchewan (5-5-1) now moves on to face the Lethbridge Pronghorns on Sunday, whom they beat 9-0 earlier in the season.

Tomorrow's game against Alberta is the Dinos' last home game of the season, and will be used to honour all of the graduating players on Calgary's lineup.

-UC-