KAMLOOPS, B.C. - The UBC Okanagan Heat women's soccer team's playoff hopes took a serious blow on Friday evening as they lost 1-0 to the Thompson Rivers WolfPack.
 
In what was a high energy match from the start in the first Presidents' Cup meeting of the season between UBCO and TRU, the Heat had the best opportunity early on as Sophie Campbell (Surrey, B.C.) had a tremendous strike in the 19th minute. However, WolfPack goalkeeper Marissa Young (Calgary, Alta.) made a tremendous diving save to keep the score 0-0.
 
Both teams had multiple opportunities in the first half, but neither were able to convert on those chances, keeping the game tied going into the half.
 
Coming out of the half, both teams kept the energy high and once again it was Campbell that created another great opportunity for the Heat. In the 60th minute, she sent a through ball to Sydney Kolodziej (Kelowna, B.C.) who could not get it passed Marissa Young once again. The deflection went to Yvonne Manwaring (Kamloops, B.C.) who also was denied by Young.
 
Not long after the Wolfpack broke the tie as Emily Clark (Kamloops, B.C.) netted her fourth goal of the season in the 69th minute. She was assisted by Ainsley Grether (Kamloops, B.C.).
 
TOP PERFORMERS
Sophie Campbell – UBCO
The second-year forward was a pest all day on the pitch against the WolfPack. She had the best shot on goal attempt early on and later in the game set up her teammates for great chances as well. She was very active in stealing the ball from the Wolfpack players and overall played a fantastic game.
 
Marissa Young – TRU
The fourth-year goalkeeper was a wall in net for the WolfPack. She came up with multiple wonderful saves to keep the Heat off the board for the entirety of the match. She ended the game tallying six total saves.
 
WHERE THEY SIT
The loss leaves the Heat's record at 2-6-3 for the year as they now sit six points out of the final playoff spot in the Pacific division with only three games remaining. Meanwhile, TRU moved into fourth place in the division with the win, sitting at 5-4-2 on the year.

The WolfPack also take a 1-0 lead in the battle for the female Presidents' Cup, the inter-university competition between UBCO and TRU in soccer, volleyball and basketball. Last season, the Heat women captured the trophy for the first time since 2016 thanks to a 5-2-2 record.
 
UP NEXT
The Heat will be back in Kelwona tomorrow for their final home game of the regular season as they close out the back end of the home-and-home series tomorrow against the TRU WolfPack. Prior to the match, the Heat will honour their four graduating seniors, Jessica Ambrosio, Yvonne Manwaring, Lauryn Padmoroff and Emma Terrillion prior to kickoff. 

Game time is slated for 3:30 p.m. and tickets to the game are free for all fans.
 
The game can be seen on Canada West TV