October 21 - After putting themselves one point up on Manitoba with a big 9-0 win yesterday, the UBC Thunderbirds proved they really are Canada West's top team on Sunday, posting another big shutout victory as they blanked the Bisons 6-0 at Thunderbird Stadium.

Just one Thunderbird goal came in the first half, which was relatively even in terms of scoring chances and ball control. Kelly Isberg received Kristen Zoller's header and finished nicely in the 27th minute to get the 'Birds on the board. Manitoba continued to trouble UBC for the rest of the half, but were unable to beat T-Birds keeper Jacklyn Dunnett. Then in the second half, UBC opened the flood gates.

Five goals in the half, including one from Zoller and two from Janine Kerr, helped the T-Birds assert themselves as the number one team in Canada West. Kerr and Zoller each totalled six goals on the weekend. Natalie Hirayama and Catilin Dave each added a goal on Sunday, as UBC finished up the weekend outscoring their opponents 15-0.

"This was our biggest output for a while, and it couldn't have come at a better time, since we are getting ready to go into the playoffs," said UBC coach Dick Mosher. "Especially since it was against a pretty good team today. Obviously the score flatters us a little bit, because the first half was relatively even and they have a better team than that, no doubt about it. But it was still good for us this time of year."

The win gives UBC a four point lead in first place, with Manitoba and Victoria tied for second. With just two games remaining, UBC will need just one more win to clinch top spot in Canada West.

"We want to keep the momentum certainly," said Mosher. "I've seen teams in the past who take it a bit for granted, and their play drops off. We certainly don't want that to happen so we have got to maintain momentum."

UBC will host Saskatchewan and Alberta next weekend, where the 'Birds will look to secure first place, while the Bisons look to break the tie for second as they play two games against the Regina Cougars to close out the regular season.

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