BOX SCORE CALGARY - The UBC Thunderbirds swept their first series of the New Year Saturday afternoon, blanking the University of Calgary Dinos 1-0.

Having lost Friday night's battle against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, the University of Calgary Dinos were looking to avoid a two game loss in the first weekend of play in the 2014 year, at Father David Bauer Arena.

UBC would claim the win with the lone goal of the game coming early in the third period from Tatiana Rafter for her 12th of the season. The game appeared to be tied up with five minutes left in the third only to have Calgary's goal called off due to a player in the crease.

"System wise we were very good today but we have to bury our chances when we get them in front," stated head coach Kelly Bechard. "That has been our biggest challenge."

Through 20 minutes of play neither team registered a goal, with Calgary edging UBC out in shots six to five. Despite much action in both ends this game started out much cleaner than the previous game, each team going on the power play only once and neither finding the back of the net.

"Our penalty kill did very well today, we need to do more on the power play," explained Bechard. "Penalty trouble didn't cost us today."

It appeared as if Calgary would be the one to break the deadlock in the first five minutes of the middle stanza. Calgary redirected a pass just wide of Danielle Lemon. Not even a minute later Lemon robbed Janelle Parent on a quick wrist shot.

The Thunderbirds had their own fair share of chances; mid-way through the period Amanda Tapp stopped two offensive Thunderbirds' on a two on one with a sprawling pad save. The game would however remain scoreless despite the attempts through 40 minutes of play.

Just 39 seconds into the third period the tie was broken. Thunderbirds' Nicole Saxvik gave a pass from behind the net Rafter who redirected the pass over Tapp's shoulder to put the Thunderbirds up 1-0.

It looked as if the Dinos had tied the game late in the third on the power play only to have their goal called off because of a player in the crease.

The lone goal by UBC was the game winner, both teams battled but it just wasn't enough for Calgary to tie it up.

The Dinos will host a home-and-home set against the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns next weekend, January 10-11. The Pronghorns will host the first game Friday night in Lethbridge, puck is set to drop at 7 p.m. Then both teams will travel to Calgary for Saturday's game at 6 p.m. at the Father David Bauer Arena.

The Thunderbirds will head home where they will host the University of Regina Cougars, January 10-11.

-UC-