by Ben Schach, UBC Sports Information

VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbird (7-2-0) forwards came out red hot in Saturday's game against the visiting Alberta Pandas (2-5-2) at Thunderbird Park, converting four chances in the opening 14 minutes to send UBC to a 5-1 victory.

In a strange twist, CIS Host Victoria defeated Calgary earlier on Saturday, clinching a spot at Nationals for UBC, while UBC's victory later in the afternoon meant that only Alberta or Calgary was left with a shot at catching second-place UVic. The Vikes now qualifiy for the event through league standings rather than using the Host qualification.

Elise Milosevich scored in the fourth and fifth minute while fellow forward Poonam Sandhu tallied in the 11th and 14th minute on a pair of breakaways setup by some nifty passing up front.

"The forwards were really on their game today. Robyn [Pendleton], Poonam, and Elise just seemed to click and they knew where everybody was," commented UBC head coach Hash Knajee about his team's quick start and stellar play up front.

The Pandas responded in the 32nd minute with Kinch Santha converting on a penalty corner but that proved to be the only shot to beat T-Bird rookie keeper Dina Bulfone.

UBC added another tally in the 50th minute despite being down a player. Pendleton had just been sent off for an infraction when Kristyn Harrington finished off a nice passing play to give the T-Birds the 5-1 result.

Overall, Kanjee was very pleased with the performance as it addressed one of his biggest concerns as the T-Birds prepare for the CIS Championship scheduled for three weeks time in Victoria.

"The thing I have been concerned about the most this year is our production and today we solved it a little bit," said Kanjee. "Still in the second half I think we could have added a few more. I know being up 4-1 is perhaps not enough incentive but I think these kids have to learn you take the chances when you get them because they don't often happen."

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on Sunday at 1 p.m. Despite this afternoon's result, Kanjee isn't about to allow his troops to relax in their preparations.

"Alberta is a good team. They don't play on super quick turf at home like we have here but tomorrow they will know what they can and can't let us do. It will by no means be an easy contest."