Friday night at Masich Place Stadium on a brisk September evening the UNBC Timberwolves (1-4-0) dropped a nail-biter to the visiting University of the Fraser Valley Cascades (2-4-0). The lone goal of the night came in the 16^th minute from first-year Jaya Bains while fellow first-year goalkeeper Alana Madec had the clean sheet for the visitors. Brityn Hinsche answered with nine saves for UNBC.

Heading into action on Friday, both UFV and UNBC had identical 1-3 records. The two young squads both came into the night feeling confident about their chances, and it was the visitors who drew first blood in the 16^th minute.

Hinsche had trouble corralling a UFV cross, and the rebound ended up right on the feet of Jaya Bains. The first-year Surrey product made no mistake in close, lifting the Cascades up 1-0.

Neil Sedgwick's club settled down from there. Hinsche stopped all three of the remaining first-half shots directed her way, while Scarlet Thomas and Fia Cameron did well to generate clean shots on the UFV goal. Thomas' speed, intensity and smarts were on full display the entire match, and when all was said and done she captured Mr. Mike's Player of the Game honours.

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At half the score remained 1-0 for UFV.

To begin the second half, first-year midfielder Abigayle Bradley got the tap on the shoulder from coach Sedgwick to enter the match and provide some energy in the midfield. For the first-year from Langley it marked her first career Canada West appearance.

In the opening 21 minutes of half #2, the TWolves managed three shots on the UFV net. Two came from veteran Claire Turner while another came from first-year midfielder Maresha Manulak, but first-year goalkeeper Alana Madec did her part to keep her team up 1-0.

Another first for UNBC in the 71^st minute as first-year Grace Barrett was subbed into the match on the backline. For Barrett it also marked her first Canada West appearance.
With time winding down, the TWolves had one last 'Grade A' chance on the UFV goal when a mad scramble in front of Alana Madec bounced to Claire Turner. But the first-year keeper managed to dive on top of the loose ball before Turner could get her foot on it, and the game remained in favour of the Cascades until the final horn sounded.

Through 90-plus minutes, Cascades outshot the Timberwolves 14-5. Despite surrendering her first goal against this season, Britiyn Hinsche ended up with nine saves. Not to be outdone was Madec at the other end who went five-for-five to secure the clean sheet.

Up next for UNBC – A Sunday noon clash with the Trinity Western Spartans at Masich Place Stadium.