VANCOUVER, B.C. – No. 1-ranked Trinity Western completed their undefeated season against UBC on Saturday, drawing 0-0 at the UBC Thunderbird Stadium. The Spartans have claimed the first playoff spot in the western conference with tonight's draw as their Canada West regular season has ended.
 
The Spartans (11-0-1) battled with UBC (8-1-1) in a match that was closely contested in nature.

The first half was quiet as both teams refused to give an inch, forcing the game into the midfield early on. Chances were limited to set pieces as neither goalkeeper had to go out of their way to keep the ball out of the goal.

The second half saw more chances for both sides, specifically from UBC's end. The half was highlighted by a series of saves made by Spartans goalkeeper Hannah Miller in the (Langley, B.C.) 72^nd minute. Miller stopped a close-range UBC shot, parrying it in front of the net to ensue a scramble between TWU's defensive line and numerous Thunderbird players waiting to pounce on the chance. Elizabeth Hicks (Surrey, B.C.) and Tilly James (Vancouver, B.C.) were able to block two UBC shots, giving enough time for Miller to gain possession of the ball.

Miller made another vital save in the 84^th minute, moving off her line to stifle a dangerous UBC through-ball. The Spartans goalkeeper was outstanding throughout all 90 minutes of play, giving UBC little hope in breaking Saturday's tie.
 

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Soon after Miller's series of saves, Kathryn Harvey (Coquitlam, B.C.) nearly sealed the deal in stoppage time, missing the net by a narrow margin on a breakaway attempt. This golden opportunity would have carried the Spartans to their first perfect season in program history.

NOTABLE

• The Spartans played without Anna Dunn (Edmonton) who sustained an injury on Friday's match against UBC. Dunn has been an important component to the Spartans this season as the fourth-year midfielder currently leads Canada West in points with 17 (9G-8A).
• UBC has certainly prided themselves on their defensive play throughout the season as they have only conceded a total of two goals throughout their 10 matches so far in the 2021 season. UBC currently stands as Canada West's best statistical defence, with the Spartans close behind, conceding a total of four goals this season.

QUOTABLE
TWU Head Coach Graham Roxburgh
"Really pleased by a gutsy performance tonight. At times we played quite nicely in the midfield, passing the ball better than we did last night. UBC had the better chances, so we had to defend with desperation, and do it wisely.
 
"Hannah Miller was outstanding. In the end we found a way to get over the line to get a point tonight. UBC was really good tonight, so we're glad we got four of six possible points over the weekend."

UP NEXT
With their Canada West regular season play finished, the Spartans will have some time to rest, and recuperate after a hard-fought 12 games played over the past six weeks.

About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 12 U SPORTS team championships and 29 Canada West team championships.

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