On Friday night in Abbotsford, the UNBC Timberwolves fell 5-0 to the host UFV Cascades. Despite the challenging result on the road, Laney Stewart earned Mr. Mikes Player of the Game honors for the Timberwolves, putting in a gritty, solid performance in the midfield for the full 90 minutes.

The match began with the Timberwolves showing early defensive composure. UNBC cleared a dangerous early attack, and both teams settled into a hard-fought midfield battle. However, the Cascades managed to break the deadlock in the 13th minute when a shot by Eesha Mudaliar deflected its way into the net to give UFV a 1-0 lead.

UNBC responded by establishing possession and pushing back. Goalkeeper Johanna Rathke made a spectacular diving save in the 32nd minute to keep the deficit at one, while defenders Keeley Read and Kambria Mellum locked down the penalty area with crucial clearances. Unfortunately, the Cascades capitalized on a pair of late free kicks just before halftime. Kiana Langston scored off an assist from Kenzie Fitzgerald in the 43rd minute, and Mudaliar added her second of the game right before the whistle to make it 3-0 at the break.

The Timberwolves came out of the locker room determined to press. Rathke set the tone early in the second half, denying Mudaliar a hat trick with a sharp save. The momentum shifted as RJ Barfoot subbed into the match on the hour mark, immediately applying offensive pressure. Barfoot generated a quality scoring chance in the 72nd minute, but the UFV goalkeeper was there to make the stop. Mellum also came close for UNBC, narrowly missing a header off a corner kick in the 81st minute.

Despite the Timberwolves' continued push and solid defensive interventions, the Cascades added late insurance markers. Kyla Kerr struck from just outside the box in the 83rd minute, and Keanna Bentley finished off a feed from Zoe Black in stoppage time to bring the final score to 5-0.

The Timberwolves will look to bounce back quickly as they return home to Prince George tomorrow. They host the UBC Thunderbirds at 2:30 pm this Sunday at Masich Place Stadium.