BOX SCORE CALGARY – The season came to an end for the University of Calgary Dinos on Sunday afternoon at McMahon Stadium as the University of Regina Cougars eliminated them from playoff contention with a 2-1 win.

It has been a recusant effort all year by Calgary. A team filled with first-years, the Dinos came up against some of the toughest teams in the conference early on before putting in a late season charge, trying to make the post season. It is the second straight year which has seen Calgary misses the playoffs on the last day of the year.

“We have a great group of young players, most of them first-years,” said head coach Matthew Shepherd. “We've look back to some of the younger teams we played last year and how much they improved after only one season, so I know how much potential we have and I'm really excited for the future.”

The Dinos came into this weekend in a battle for eighth place with the Manitoba Bisons. While Calgary lost to Saskatchewan on Friday, Manitoba ended in a draw against Mount Royal, putting them one point up on the Dinos. Calgary needed to get a win out of Sunday's game to have any chance at a playoff spot and hope that Manitoba either lost or tied their regular season finale.

The opening 10 minutes saw the two squads traded chances, but the half would eventually be controlled by the Cougars. Midfielder Tayler Firth had two of the best opportunities for Regina along with Meagan Cormier who left the game following a collision with the Dinos' goalkeeper late in the first half.

The Cougars got on the board in the 62nd minute. Jayde McFee's fired the ball on net from outside the box and eluded Kristen Barton for the game's first goal.

With Calgary on their heels, Regina added an insurance marker with over 10 minutes left. A hard shot by Molly Glass found the back of the net as the Cougars moved closer to that elusive home playoff date.

Never giving up, The Dino would save their best for last and score in the final 10 minutes as fourth-year forward Lauren Deeks picked up a marker. The last minute efforts of Calgary wouldn't be enough though as Deeks' goal was the final one of the afternoon and season.

Playing in her final CIS contest after serving her five years of eligibility, Kristen Barton was honoured before the start of the game . The Calgary native made a strong impact as she made a couple of dazzling saves to keep her team tied through the first 45 minutes of play before Regina scored two second-half goals. Barton leaves a void to be filled in net for the Dinos come 2013 as well as in the leadership department.

“It's been a very young season and this team is going to be great over the next couple of years,” mentioned Barton. “Being a Dino has made me a better player, as well as better academically, it has helped me to be persistent through these past few years and I will always to be proud to be a Dino.”

While Calgary's season now comes to an end, Regina will return home to find out who they will host in their first round of the Canada West playoffs.

-UC-