VANCOUVER – The University of Calgary Dinos provided a challenge for one of the country's top teams again.

Already with two ties on their resume this season, the Dinos held the UBC Thunderbirds to a goal on Saturday at Wright Field. Unfortuately the visitors couldn't find the back of the net and dropped a 1-0 decision.

The T-Birds improved to 3-1-3, good for second in the league while Calgary is 0-5-2 through seven contests this season. The Thunderbirds came into the weekend needing to win both games by a combined eight goals to qualify for the U SPORTS Women's Field Hockey Championship series. The two teams met earlier in September with the 'Birds winning one game and drawing the other.

UBC spent most of the first half in the offensive end, continuing the positive play they have shown all season. Although they had an abundance of time on attack, the T-Birds only managed to get three shots on target. After an onslaught of pressure, the 'Birds finally found the breakthrough with 12 minutes remaining when defender Sara Goodman scored off a penalty corner to give them the lead. The Dinos got a late penalty corner but were halted in their tracks by Thunderbirds 'keeper Rowan Harris.

The Dinos came out in much better shape at the beginning of the second half. Calgary was able to keep possession, and get chances; with their best one coming 10 minutes in when Lauren Hayes was sprung on a breakaway only to be denied by UBC's Gabriella Switzer, who entered the match after halftime. Calgary sustained their attack throughout the half, but the Thunderbirds held firm to secure to 1-0 victory and keep their national championship hopes alive.

After collecting the three points on Saturday, UBC will need to win by seven goals in Sunday's game to win the Canada West regular season title, and earn a spot in the national championship series to be hosted by the Ontario champion.

Sunday's season-closing affair begins at 11 a.m. PT.