The first Canada West homestand for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack ended the same way it began - with a defeat.

The WolfPack ended their four-game home series with a 1-0 setback at the hands of the visiting University of Victoria Vikes Saturday, September 20, at Hillside Stadium.

Victoria moves to 3-0-1 on the season while the WolfPack, who won the PACWEST regular season title the last three years in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, are now winless in four starts.

"I thought Thompson Rivers came out and played very well and pressed the ball quite well," said Vikes coach Tracy David. "We needed to be more patient and get on more of the scrappy stuff that was taking place inside the 18-yard box. Lots of balls bouncing but we couldn't get our foot on it. That's credit to TRU.  We needed to be patient and today we were and come out of here with the victory. I am a little disappointed that we didn't' finish more of our chances."

The only goal of the match came in the 38th minute when Cassie Dennis (5^th year middle, Calgary, AB) sent a through ball to Emma Grieg (4^th year, forward, Tofino, BC). Utilizing her speed she was able to get away from the WolfPack defenders and fire a low shot into the right-hand side of the cage, beating Thompson Rivers keeper Emily Edmundson (5^th year, Kamloops, BC).  That was her first goal of the season.

The Vikes outshot TRU 16-9 including 11-3 in the first half.  Edmundson made seven saves in comparison to Meaghan Storie (1^st year, keeper, Victoria, BC).  Victoria dominated on corner kicks with 12, including 10 in the first half alone: all taken by Lindsay Machin (3^rd year, defender, Richmond, BC).

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus said his team wanted to come out with a better effort after being shut out 4-0 by UBC on Saturday, September 19. "The girls thought that effort was not indicative of how good they are. As far as this being a 1-0 defeat, I look at it as an improvement. We just didn't take enough shots."

Marlie Rittinger (4^th year, defender, Ashcroft, BC) was named the TRUBookstore/McDonald's  "Leader of the Pack player of the match.   She returned to the 'Pack lineup after suffering a hand injury against UBC.  "She worked hard and led the team. "

McManus thought his team knocked the ball around and pressured in the right areas in this match.  "We need to shoot a little quicker from 25 yards and in. We are taking that extra touch and that allows the other team to set up."

The WolfPack will hit the road for the next two weekends playing in Abbotsford against Fraser Valley on Friday, September 26, and Langley, on Saturday, September 27 against Trinity Western while the Vikes will fly to Prince George for the same days, against the University of Fraser Valley.   Next home action for Thompson Rivers will be Friday, October 10th against UNBC.

THROW-INS: Katie Sparrow (4^th year, forward, Kamloops, BC) returned to the TRU line up after suffering a concussion in the first weekend of exhibition play.  She lasted less than a half after being hit in the face with the ball. "She was cleared to play this week and unfortunately she took a whack to the head.  She asked to go back on but concussions are too serious now and we can't fool around with that."

McManus feels his team is progressing: "It is a learning process but the girls are getting closer and closer.  We have scored in the first two games but after being shut out the last two it's not good and won't get any easier next weekend."