PRINCE GEORGE, British Columbia – Second-year forward Sophie Crowther (New Westminster, B.C.) scored twice and fifth-year keeper Hannah Miller (Langley, B.C.) recorded a clean sheet to lead the Trinity Western Spartans to a solid 4-0 win over the UNBC Timberwolves to open Canada West conference play Friday night at Mashich Place in Prince George, B.C.

The Spartans were the dominant team on the pitch outshooting the Timberwolves 21-3. Miller made one save to earn the win, while her counterpart Brityn Hinsche for UNBC made 10 saves in the loss.

TWU second-year forward Charis Wardrope (Maple Ridge, B.C.) opened the scoring for the Spartans in the fourth minute to put TWU up 1-0 early. Crowther got her first of the match in the 25^th minute as the Spartans went into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.
The Spartans quickly put the game away to start the second half as Crowther got her second of the match in the 49^th minute, with second-year defender Danielle Cooper (Surrey, B.C.) getting her first of the season two minutes later to put TWU up 4-0.

QUOTABLE
TWU Head Coach Graham Roxburgh
"Tonight was overall a great and complete performance. We started on the front foot and generated some early looks. Credit to UNBC they were stingy defensively. In the second half, we played very well and professionally. We kept possession of the ball and I was really pleased to get lots of minutes for many different kids and were able to get rest where we needed it."
 
NOTABLE
TWU enters the 2023 season ranked No. 2 in the Canada West pre-season coaches' poll, while UNBC is ranked No. 13.
The Spartans finished second in Canada West last season, 9-2-3, losing to the Thunderbirds in the gold medal match.
The Timberwolves finished last season in sixth spot in the Pacific Division at 5-6-3.
TWU has never lost to UNBC and is currently 12-0-1 against the Timberwolves including last season's 0-0-1.
Prior to last season's tie, the Spartans had won 11 straight against the Timberwolves.
TWU had 32 goals last season (4^th), while giving up only 11 goals (2^nd)
UNBC had 15 goals last season (12^th), while giving up 23 goals (11^th)
TWU had an 11-0 edge in corner kicks over UNBC.
 
UP NEXT
The Spartans will now have a day off before traveling to Vancouver to play the UBC Thunderbirds on Sunday afternoon to complete the opening weekend of conference play.
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 14 U SPORTS team championships and 34 Canada West team championships.
 
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