Vikes Crowned U SPORTS Champions for 6th Straight Year
The Gold Medal Game of the U SPORTS Field Hockey Championships took place Sunday afternoon with the host York Lions taking on the undefeated UVIC Vikes.
After the two teams played each other yesterday with Vikes coming out on top in that game, both teams knew a quick start could be key to the victory. And it didn’t take long for a game altering event took place as just 2 minutes in the Vikes were awarded a penalty stroke. Anni Kleinschmidt, who came into this game leading the championships in goals, would step up one on one with goalkeeper Jade Lew. On this occasion it would be Kleinschmidt who would win the battle as her shot was fired into the top right corner giving the Vikes a 1-0 lead.
UVIC taking on York in the gold medal match/Yan Huckendubler
The second quarter saw the game become very evenly played with neither side being able to take any control of the overall contest. The best chance of the quarter came the way of the Vikes when another well worked short quarter found the stick of Kleinschmidt, she attempted to send it across to the back post looking for Sadie Lee, however the Lions defense got the interception and would be able to hold the score at 1-0.
The second half was more of the same as the two teams played as deserving contenders for the title of national champions. Chances fell each way the best coming for York as in the third quarter Natalie Brown took a long range that had lots of air underneath it. The shot seemed to have eyes for the top of the net before Anais Wilson the Vikes goalkeeper sprawled out to make a fantastic save.
In the end the Lions just could not find a way to break down the Vikes defense and with the fourth quarter ending UVIC would go on to be crowned U SPORTS Champions, winning the game 1-0.
After the game Vikes midfielder Melanie Robertson commented saying “We really rely on our defense they are so solid, and they were a huge part of the win today”
With the win the Vikes have now won the last 6 U SPORTS Championships and will bring the Mcrae Cup back once again to BC capping off a perfect 4-0 tournament.
UVIC celebrating U SPORTS Championships/Yan Huckendubler
