KAMLOOPS, B.C. – Three goals in a three-minute span sent the No. 1 ranked Spartans to a 4-1 victory over Thompson Rivers in Canada West women's soccer action on Friday night.
 
Maddie Melynchuk (Langley, B.C.) scored twice with Sierra Halldorson (Winnipeg) and Elizabeth Hicks (Surrey, B.C.) also adding markers for the Spartans.
 
Entering the weekend as the top ranked team in the country, the Spartans did most of their damage during a three-minute period late in the first half.
 
In the 37^th minute of play Halldorson stepped up to the penalty spot for the free-kick, and while her initial effort on net was stopped by TRU's goalkeeper, Halldorson was first to the rebound to score the opening goal. Just minutes later, a run down the wing from Bella Roque (Surrey, B.C.) ended with a cross that Melynchuk fired into the back of the net. In the 40^th minute the Spartans ended their goal-scoring run with Melynchuk scoring her second of the night and fifth of the season.
 
Thompson Rivers scored late in the game, bringing the game to 4-1.
 
NOTABLE

• Hannah Miller's (Langley, B.C.) clean-sheet streak was snapped at five games as the Spartans surrendered a goal late.
• The 7-0-0 Spartans are one win away from tying their best start in program history. The 2012 edition of the Spartans started the season at 8-0-0.
• Team captain Elizabeth Hicks (Surrey, B.C.) has scored three goals in as many games. The fifth-year captain's performances throughout the team's first seven games have been inspirational, anchoring the defensive line while threatening offensively.

QUOTABLE
TWU Head Coach Graham Roxburgh
"It took us a while to settle down, but our energy was good. Both teams made it a midfield battle without generating many chances. We weren't sharp with our final pass but I was still pleased with our start.
 
"Sierra's goal led us on our way as the second goal came quickly after. Maddie Melnychuk put us up 2-0, then we added another to go into the half up 3-0.
 
"Our second half was full of changes and chances. Elizabeth Hicks was rewarded off another corner as she continues to be a dominant threat.
 
"TRU is a good team. We'll regroup and go again tomorrow."
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans play at Thompson Rivers this Saturday at 5p.m. (Oct. 2^nd).
 
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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