CALGARY – Playing their first home game since 2019, the new-look University of Calgary Dinos field hockey team fell 9-0 to the Victoria Vikes in the opening game of the 2022 Canada West season.

Victoria, the reigning U SPORTS champions, started strong on Saturday afternoon at Hawking Field, scoring four goals in the opening quarter. They relied heavily on second-year players Nora Struchtrup and Chloe Langkammer, who combined to score seven times. Rookie netminder Daya Titsworth came away with a shutout.

"We were very pleased with how our athletes played the game. Their level of excitement and their effective passes, lead to excellent scoring opportunities and goals," said Vikes assistant coach Krista Thompson. "I trust they will continue to learn and evolve during the remainder of their games." 

The Dinos saw positive performances from Brooke Van Oosten and Madison Gaffney who created offensive attacks up the right side but were unable to infiltrate the Vikes defence. Goalkeeping duties were shared by Tayler Guy and Alana Madrid.

"Changing a culture takes time and these young athletes are putting in the time and sacrifice to make positive changes," said Dinos head coach Jenn Swagar. "I am proud of the fact that they kept the effort up the entire game."

The Dinos and Vikes are back in action on Sunday with an 11 a.m. start at Hawkings Field.

Calgary captain Jadyn Campbell said the team is excited about the opportunity to challenge themselves against Victoria again.

"As we head into the second game we will be looking to be more defensively disciplined while focusing on our own personal responsibilities as players."

SCORING SUMMARY 
VIC - #9 Chloe Langkammer, FG 3', 1-0 VIC
VIC - #11 Nora Struchtrup, FG 7', 2-0 VIC
VIC - #11 Nora Struchtrup, FG 8', 3-0 VIC
VIC - #4 Jaden Dawson, FG 14', 4-0 VIC
VIC - #9 Chloe Langkammer, FG 20', 5-0 VIC
VIC - #11 Nora Struchtrup, FG 27', 6-0 VIC
VIC - #9 Chloe Langkammer, FG 30', 7-0 VIC
VIC - #11Nora Struchtrup, FG 33', 8-0 VIC
VIC - #15 Erin Dawson, FG 54', 9-0 VIC

GOALKEEPERS 
VIC - Daya Titsworth, 60MP, 0GA
CGY - Tayler Guy, 36MP, 5GA; Alana Madrid, 24MP, 3GA 

CARDS
CGY - Caileigh Coverdale, GC, 42'