PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – The UBC Okanagan Heat women's soccer team ended their 2022 season with their best performance of the year as they recorded a 4-2 victory over the UNBC Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon.
The Heat got the scoring started early in the first half as
Abigail Taneda (West Kelowna, B.C.) set up
Sophia Clarke (Kelowna, B.C) who buried her first career goal in a Heat uniform in the 11th minute.
Shortly after, in the 25th minute, Taneda stole the ball from the goalkeeper and netted her second of the season to give the Heat a two-goal lead.
The Timberwolves were looking for an answer as their playoff hopes hung in the balance based on the outcome of this match and they got one from Hannah Edmond (Prince George, B.C.) in the 41st minute to give the Timberwolves a little momentum going into the half.
The hosts came out of the half looking to apply pressure and score early. They did so on another goal by Edmond in the 57th minute as she netted her second of the game to tie the match up at two.
Many opportunities presented themselves for the Timberwolves but they just could not capitalize late in the match, opening the door for UBCO.
They broke through in the 73rd minute when
Rhema Batchondo (Surrey, B.C.) took back the lead as she scored after a misplay by the Timberwolves defender. The goal was Batchondo's third of the year.
With time winding down, the Timberwolves were pushing for the equalizer, but their comeback was halted by a beautiful goal by
Sophie Campbell (Surrey, B.C.) in the 87
th minute which ultimately sealed the game and ended the Timberwolves playoff hopes.
TOP PERFORMERS
Abigail Taneda – UBCO
The second-year forward was everywhere for the Heat as she finished the game with a goal and two assists. Those numbers give her two goals and five assists on the season, as she sets two new single-season records for the Heat in Canada West action, including assists in a season and points in a season.
Hannah Edmond – UNBC
The fifth-year midfielder had a terrific day for the Timberwolves. Although her team could not clinch a playoff spot, Edmond was able to score two goals in her final match. She subbed in late in the first half to give her team a spark and she did just that.
SEASON WRAP UP
The Heat end their season with a victory which puts their record at 4-7-3 as they finish seventh in the Pacific division. The 15 points represents the most a Heat team has ever earned in Canada West play and marks an important step forward for the team as they look to push for the playoffs once again next season.
The 12 goals the team scored represents the second-most they've scored in a Canada West season since joining the conference in 2014 while the 23 goals against marks their fewest goals allowed per game in Canada West play in program history.
