CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos field hockey team dropped a challenging season opener 6-0 to the Victoria Vikes on Saturday afternoon at Hawkings Field.

The Vikes set the pace early, finding two goals in the opening five minutes. Midfielder Chloe Langkammer led the way with a pair of tallies as Victoria started their quest for a sixth consecutive Canada West title.

For a youthful Dinos squad led by first-year head coach Jenn Beagan, the mood remains optimistic despite the setback in the opening match.

"We have got a very, very young team. We have 12 first years on this team, so we have spent our pre-season camp learning structures and thinking about the game, which has been a big change for these girls," stated Beagan. "Our focus is less on the actual score on the field and more so on, 'are we executing our game plan' and 'are we taking steps forward.'" 

Trailing 2-0 after the first quarter, Calgary's defence tightened up in the second and third quarters, slowed down the Vikes' offence, and held their potent attack to a single marker during the 30 minutes.

Victoria closed the match strong with two late goals in the fourth quarter.

In addition to Langkammer's two-goal effort, Amanda Adams, Madeline Mittelsteadt, Josie Dunham, and Sadie Lee found the scoresheet for the visitors.

The defensive duo of Molly Garnham and Isabella Green were among the Dinos' top performers highlighted by Beagan, along with newcomer Nina Khalfan, who played multiple positions Saturday. 

Calgary and Victoria will close out their weekend set at Hawkings Field on Sunday with an 11 a.m. start.

SCORING SUMMARY
VIC – Chloe Langkammer, FG, 3', 1-0 VIC
VIC – Amanda Adams, FG, 5', 2-0 VIC
VIC – Chloe Langkammer, PC, 26', 3-0 VIC
VIC – Madeline Mittelsteadt, FG, 48', 4-0 VIC
VIC – Josie Dunham, PC, 56', 5-0 VIC
VIC – Sadie Lee, FG, 60', 6-0 VIC

GOALKEEPERS 
VIC – Anais Chace, 60MP, 0GA
CGY – Alana Madrid, 60MP, 6GA

CARDS
VIC – Maeve Connorton, GC, 43'
CGY – Nina Khalfan, GC, 57'

-UC-