The Huskie women’s soccer season came to an abrupt end in the quarterfinal round of the Canada West playoffs. Despite home-field advantage, the dogs lost 4-0 to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. 

Despite this being their best regular-season record since 2016, the Huskies were surprisingly quite outmatched against a comparable Thunderbirds team. 

The Huskies entered the contest with more goals scored during the regular season, but the Thunderbirds held a significant goals-against advantage. UBC allowed just nine goals in 14 games.

During the match, UBC’s superior defensive play was evident. They surrounded just six shots on goal throughout the full 90 minutes of action while recording 12 shots on the Huskies goal.

Head coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton’s team improved significantly from last season, which is a positive sign for a young team with 15 first- and second-year players on the roster.

“I think when we get over the disappointment of today, we will be content with the growth we achieved this season” Barandica-Hamilton said. “I think today just wasn’t our day, [and] we didn’t really have the ability to connect and stay calm, credit to UBC.”

Switching gears to the volleyball court, both Huskie teams have started their respective seasons off on the right foot.

Dylan Mortensen, the 2018 Canada West Volleyball Rookie of the Year, is leading the conference with 69 kills. Mortensen’s play stands out for the men’s volleyball team that is off to a 3-1 record after the opening two weekends of the season.

Rookie head coach Sean McKay has this team off to their best start since the 2016-17 season when they also started with 3-1. 

These Huskies will be back home at the Physical Activity Complex for their next weekend series on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, squaring off against the University of Brandon Bobcats. Students get in free with a valid student card.

For the women’s volleyball team, they too have started their season with a 3-1 record, which is their best start to a season since 2013-14.

Emily Koshinsky’s 52 kills is tied for fourth in the conference. Last year, Koshinsky finished fifth in the conference.

Head coach Mark Dodds will aim to end a long playoff drought that has seen the Huskies miss the playoffs each season since 2001-02. 

This team will also be back at home this weekend to face the Brandon Bobcats on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

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Tanner Michalenko/ Sports & Health Editor

Photo: GetmyPhoto.ca/ Huskie Athletics