CALGARY – Damiane Sawatzky's goal off a set piece in the 80th minute allowed her University of Calgary Dinos to squeeze past the University of Manitoba Bisons 1-0 in a Canada West quarterfinal matchup at McMahon Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Dinos will move on to the Canada West Final Four next weekend for their chance to head back to the championship game and the U SPORTS championship for the second consecutive season.
It was Manitoba who showed off their offence in the first half, registering three shots on net. Their best chance of the period came from a ball sent down the wing to Nicole Davis who was able to cut in but was denied by
Lauren Houghton.
Despite both teams getting their fair share of chances, the story of the afternoon was the defensive units for both sides not allowing either opponent to jump out to the first lead.
It took until the 80th minute to get the first goal of the game, but after a handball by a Bisons centre back, the Dinos capitalized on a free kick from just outside the area.
Amy Mikuska sent in a low ball through the Manitoba 18-yard box where it eventually found Sawatzky for the tap in and the lead.
"I get to push up for set pieces which is always fun," said Sawatzky, "
Montana Leonard put a nice touch on it and I was just glad I was able to finish it off."
Houghton had a busy night in net, facing seven shots while on the other end of the field Alexis Anderson made five stops for the Bisons, who saw their season come to a close Sunday.
The Dinos head to Edmonton next Friday to face the MacEwan Griffins, the top team in the Prairie Division, at the Canada West Final Four. The winner will advance to nationals, and to Saturday's conference championship game – all at Clarke Stadium.
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