VICTORIA, B.C. — The UBCO Heat women's soccer team (3-5-2) came away with a 2-1 victory over the Victoria Vikes (4-3-3) on Saturday at Centennial Stadium. 

Talia Ganon shone in net for the Heat making 12 saves, including stopping a second-half penalty and despite being outshot 21-5, UBCO capitalized on second-half opportunities, scoring twice to secure the win.

The first half began with UBCO demonstrating formidable defensive resilience, highlighted by goalkeeper Talia Gagnon's crucial saves. In the 17th minute, the Heat's Haden Thomas launched their sole shot of the half, which was saved by Victoria's goalkeeper Jaine McKnenna. 

Throughout the half, Victoria applied pressure with multiple attempts on goal, but Gagnon consistently denied their efforts, making several key saves, including a sequence of consecutive stops against Victoria's Scarlett McNeely. As the half concluded, both teams remained scoreless, heading into the break with the match tied at 0-0.

The second half started similarly to the first, with UBCO's defence, led by Gagnon, holding firm against Victoria's early offensive efforts, including three critical saves. The Heat broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Brooke Burrows netted the opening goal, assisted by Thomas, establishing a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Gagnon denied a penalty kick attempt by Victoria's Taiya Scorey, maintaining UBCO's advantage.

Victoria equalized in the 77th minute with a goal from Adrianna Hilton. However, the Heat responded with determination, as Annika Gross scored in the 88th minute with an assist from Burrows, restoring their lead to 2-1. UBCO would hold on from there to pick up their third win of the season.

Burrows was one of the stars of the match for the Heat, coming off the bench to contribute a goal and an assist. Gross scored a the game-winning goal while Thomas added an assist to her tally, aiding the team's offensive efforts.

Looking ahead, the Heat return home to Kelowna as they will host the UNBC Timberwolves on Saturday, October 11. Kickoff set for 1 p.m. at Nonis Sports Field.

Game Notes:
- Gagnon's 12 saves in the game are the most she's recorded in a single match and is second-most in a game in team history
- Burrows two points marks the 17th time in team history a player has recorded multiple points in a match
- Gross records the first game-winning goal of her career with the Heat
- the win marks the first time UBCO has won a game in Victoria against the Vikes