By Mike Hallman
Dinos field hockey put on an impressive show Sept. 19-21 at the first Canada West tournament, hosted at McMahon Stadium. They ended up in third place, a mere point behind the University of Victoria Vikes. An impressive 4-0-0 performance by the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds landed them the coveted first-place position.
The Dinos absolutely dominated the University of Manitoba Bisons on the first day of the competition, with a final score of 10-0. Vanessa "Venus" Kwan demonstrated the value of her four years of experience, scoring three of those goals. Clare Linton and Alison Shafer each scored two goals, while Steph Maxwell, Liz Allen and Melissa Bryden had a tally apiece.
In a closer game on Saturday, UBC barely defeated the Dinos 1-0. Stephanie Jameson scored the lone goal eight minutes into the game on a penalty shot.
"The girls played outstanding," said Dinos Head Coach Anne Kromm. "The UBC coach commented that he had never seen U of C play as well as a team before."
UVic also managed to beat the Dinos on Saturday, 2-0. Kromm is already anticipating the next Dinos-Vikes meeting, at the second Canada West tournament in Edmonton.
"I believe we can beat them," said Kromm.
The Dinos will have to pull into second place if they want to go to nationals, which will take place in Oakville, Ontario.
"I feel that we have a very good chance of catching the number two team and going to nationals," said an optimistic Kromm.
The Dinos won their last game of the weekend, against the University of Alberta, 2-0. This victory put the Dinos in third, and relegated the Pandas to fourth. Clare Linton played exceedingly well in midfield.
"She scored an amazing penalty corner goal," said Kromm. "That sealed the win for us."
Captain Liz Allan also stood out this weekend. The composure she displayed on the defensive line had a positive impact on the Dinos throughout the tournament.
"She is a great leader by example," boasted Kromm.
The fifth-years, Natalie Peterson and Steph Maxwell, also had consistent weekends.
"They provided the leadership expected of fifth year players," Kromm explained.