BOX SCORE PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Freshman striker Nikki Furukawa notched a hat trick while captain Lauren Deeks put up a goal and three assists as the University of Calgary Dinos knocked off the UNBC Timberwolves 7-1 Saturday afternoon.

Calgary took the game to the newest members of Canada West from the opening whistle and were rewarded almost immediately, taking the lead on the sixth minute thanks to Deeks' first assist, a through pass nicely tucked inside the post by Furukawa.

Less than 10 minutes later, Sidney Roy responded for the Timberwolves to tie the match at 1-1, but UNBC would come no closer as the Dinos upped their intensity and came right back on the attack.

Amy Hockings scored the eventual game-winner, turning sharply on the edge of the box after Deeks placed a pass in her feet on the 31st minute and beating the Timberwolves' 'keeper to give the Dinos a 2-1 lead heading into the half.

In the second 45, Calgary exploded for five goals. Furukawa added her second in the opening minute of the half after some good play on the wing by Kyra Rae Horvath to make it 3-1, and on the 73rd minute Furukawa completed the hat trick to put the game out of reach.

Calgary's final three goals – from Deeks, Ally white, and Maddie Lee – came in the final 10 minutes of the match to make the final 7-1 for the visitors.

“The team worked really hard today against a spirited and disciplined UNBC team,” said head coach Matt Shepherd. “We created chances and put the finishing touches on many of them, which was encouraging. The backline was excellent and well-marshalled by Andrea Nania and Ally White.”

The win improves Calgary's record to 2-3-3 on the season and gives the Dinos a three-point lead over Manitoba (2-6-0) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the conference. UNBC, meanwhile, is left looking for its first win as a member of the conference, now sitting with a record of 0-7-2.

The Dinos will get a chance to open that lead on the Bisons next week when they pay a two-game visit to Winnipeg. Friday's opener sees them take on the Winnipeg Wesmen, followed by a Saturday night tilt with Manitoba. Calgary closes the season the following week at home when they host Saskatchewan and Regina Oct. 20-21.

-UC-