Saturday night at Masich Place Stadium in Prince George, B.C. the UNBC Timberwolves dropped a 7-0 decision to the UBC Thunderbirds. All seven goals for UBC came in the opening 45 minutes thanks to a combined 11 points from Jade Taylor-Ryan (3G, 3A) and Holly Whelan (3G, 2A).Brityn Hinsche, one of the six pending graduates for UNBC, made 16 saves in the UNBC net.
The UBC Thunderbirds showed exactly why they’re ranked #1 nationally in the first half Saturday, posting seven goals in the opening 45 minutes.
Leading the way was Jade Taylor-Ryan who struck three times and added three assists, matching the Canada West record for most points in a single half. Not to be outdone was second-year midfielder Holly Whelan who also struck three times while adding two assists.
Whelan scored twice in the opening eight minutes to stake the visitors to a 2-0 lead with Taylor-Ryan setting up both. Then in the 11th, 21st and 22nd minutes respectively, Taylor-Ryan scored three unanswered goals of her own to make it 5-0.
Doerksen’s goal made it 6-0 in the 31st minute and Whelan completed her hat-trick seven minutes later to round out the historic half.
Shots through 45 minutes were 7-0 for UBC.
Neither team would add to their goal totals in the second half and the Thunderbirds were able to celebrate their second 7-0 victory in as many tries against UNBC.
UNBC goalkeeper Brityn Hinsche turned aside 16 UBC shots on the night while Dakota Beckett earned the clean sheet for UBC.
As much as Saturday was about the game on the field, it also marked a wonderful chance for the UNBC faithful to say thank you and (possibly) farewell to six outgoing graduates: Sarah Lepine, Claire Turner, Kjera Hayman, Brityn Hinsche, Camryn Cline and Sidney Elliott.
A veteran of over 50 games in Green and Gold, Hayman, a forward, made her TWolves debut in 2021. During her first seasonat UNBC, the Penticton product scored three goals and was named the team’s top offensive player, and also earned UNBC Female Rookie of the Year honours. Dedication, kindness, and leadership are just some of the many positive woreds that come to mind when we think about Kjera’s positive impact on the program. Soon, she will graduate with a degree in Environmental Planning.
With over 60 games played for the Timberwolves, forward Claire Turner’s final season at UNBC has been a memorable one, having set a single-season high in goals. Off the field, the Fort St. John product has thrived at uNBC, earning Academic All-Canadian honours four times while also receiving a Premier’s Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sports during the 2022-23 season. Back in May, Claire graduated with a Major in Biomedical Studies and a Minor in First Nation Studies. She has since applied to medical schools across the country with hopes of becoming a doctor and being in a position to help improve the health and well-being for communities in Northern B.C.
From Powell River to UNBC, midfielder Camryn Cline has played a major role in shaping and maintaining a solid culture for the Timberwolves over the course of her four seasons. A veteran of nearly 40 games in Green and Gold, Cline’s work ethic, quick decision making, and love for the game have helped her earn the trust of her teammates and coaches alike. Cline will soon be graduating with a degree in Health Sciences and is considering a career in Physiotherapy.
Also from Powell River to UNBC – Striker Sidney Elliott has been a fixture up front for the Green and Gold for the past three seasons. Over the course of 30-plus games, Elliott has shown remarkable resilience, consistency and skill. On a daily basis, Sidney provides an excellent example to the younger players on how to navigate the highs and lows of student-athlete life. In the months to come, Sidney will be graduating from UNBC with a Bachelors Degree in Planning with a Major in Natural Resources.
Since taking the field for the first time in 2022 – Brityn Hinsche has steadily climbed up the UNBC and the Canada West Record Books and has established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in not just the conference, but the country. Last season Hinsche was named Team MVP and also the Top Female Athlete at UNBC. With over 200 career saves to her credit, her determination relentless positivity and athleticism are just some of the main factors that have helped her get to this point. Soon, Hinsche will be graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Health and Sciences, Majoring in Biomedical Studies and Minoring in Psychology. The plan is for Hinsche to become a clinical Psychologist.
A veteran of over 40 University soccer games between SAIT and UNBC, defender Sarah Lepine’s team-first mentality, coachability and tenacity have forever endeared her to the UNBC community. Bravery, resilience, and anything for the team – Sarah has led with both actions and words during her time in Green and Gold. After five seasons of University soccer, Sarah will soon be graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and eventually wants to go into policing to become a criminal investigator.
The entire UNBC community would like to thank and congratulate Brityn, Camryn, Kjera, Sarah, Claire and Sidney on their remarkable accomplishments both on and off the field.