Box Score KELOWNA - A record-tying goal and strong defensive play led the UBC Okanagan Heat women's soccer team to their first win of the season over the Victoria Vikes, a 1-0 victory on Friday at Nonis Sports Field.
After being taken down just outside of the box, Stephanie Young was able to capitalize on a set-piece, finding the low corner. The marker is Young's fourth of the season, tying the UBCO record for goals in a single season since they joined the Canada West conference in 2014.
Victoria's Tesse Vande of North Vancouver, B.C., would be flagged a yellow card for the take down in the 33rd minute and Young, the Kelowna product, made no mistake on the free-kick, giving the Heat a 1-0 lead.
The combination of Lauryn Padmoroff of North Vancouver, B.C., and Sonia Sarai of New Westminster, B.C., on the Heat backline played an excellent game for the home side, stymying the Vikes' offensive attack. The duo of lower mainland products were able to hold the visiting side to few high-danger chances, a crucial factor in the Heat's win.
Kayley Lidstone, playing for her hometown Vikes, made one save in the loss, while UBCO's Molly Race, who hails from Vernon, B.C., made four saves in the shutout, picking up her second career clean sheet. The win was also the first of her career for the rookie Heat keeper.
The Heat's record improves to 1-5-3 and keeps them alive in the playoff picture in the Canada West conference while the Vikes third straight loss drops them to 4-3-2 on their campaign.
The two teams will hit the field again on Saturday morning to close out their weekend doubleheader. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. at Nonis Sports Field.
