Jones, Twolves take out Heat 3-0

The University of Northern British Columbia’s Women’s soccer team used a pair of goals from Sofia Jones, as well as the first career tally for Claire Turner, to blank the UBC Okanagan Heat 3-0 on Saturday, September 7th in Prince George, B.C.

Fresh off a 1-0 win over the TRU WolfPack, the TWolves were seeking a six-point weekend, and looked to be the hungrier side early in the first half. Just 13 minutes in, off a throw-in from Mikaela Cadorette in the Heat third, Jones was able to beat a UBCO defender before fooling Emma Terrillon short-side. The goal was the first of the season for the San Francisco native, and made it 1-0 early on.

“Our team is learning to play together, which is awesome,” said Jones. “A lot of the first years have really stepped up and added to our team. That really makes a difference.”

UBCO did well to bounce back through the remainder of the half, as they began to possess the ball and hem the home side into their side of the pitch. Jillian Hunt and Aurora Gardiner both has chances to put the Heat on the board, but UNBC keeper Madi Doyle was up to the task.

“I thought we controlled the play, but they were pretty connected,” said UBCO’s Maya Bandy. “They had a good platform through the middle. They’re a good passing team and they have a strong centreback, so we had a tough time getting through there.”

To start the second half, UNBC coach Neil Sedgwick looked to his bench, as he took starters Jones, Jenna Wild, Kaya Oro Martin, and Paige Payne out of the match. The fresh legs seemed to help the TWolves hold off the Heat, and even resulted in some chances for Sonja Neitsch and Claire Turner.

In the 8th minute, with the Heat pushing up in search of the equalizer, the TWolves were able to get the insurance they were seeking. With many of his starters back in the game, Payne found Jones with a ball just over the head of a UBCO defender. Jones made no mistake beating Terrillon inside the post for her second of the match. It was a significant play for Payne, who passed Sidney Roy for first on the UNBC career points list.

“It’s crazy to have my name up there with some of the best Timberwolves I have ever seen,” said Payne. “Sid Roy is an amazing player. I looked up to her, and it is special to be up there with her name. As a program, we are growing every day, and I hope to keep the points coming.”

Before the ink could dry, UNBC struck again. 5th year Julia Babicz used her speed wide, before setting up the freshman Turner in the box who one-touched it past a helpless Terrillon for the first goal of her Canada West career.

When the referee blew the final whistle, shots favoured the home side 13-8, with an 8-5 margin on goal. Madi Doyle earned a clean sheet with four saves, while Terrillon also turned aside four shots.

“We need to be quicker on the ball. They give us space but we didn’t move it fast,” said Bandy. “We need to stay connected. Use what they give us. Just try to control the game more.”

UNBC improves to 2-0-0 on the season, while UBCO sees their record fall to 0-2-0 on the Canada West year.

“Amazing. It’s great for team morale,” said Jones, postgame. “It says all the hard work we are putting in is actually working. I am really excited for the rest of this season. It’s going to be awesome.”

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