by Andrew Smith, UVic Sports Info Assistant

VICTORIA - In a re-match of last year's Canada West semifinal the CIS No. 3-ranked UVic Vikes (3-1-0) women's soccer team fell 2-1 to the Manitoba Bisons (4-1-0) on Saturday afternoon.

A late surge by the reigning Canada West champs wasn't enough as Kendra Flock's 83rd minute strike failed to narrow the gap.

Despite peppering Manitoba 'keeper Ashley Forbes for much of the opening half, the Bisons were first to get on the scoreboard through Paula Fast in the 16th minute.

A powerful strike by Bisons' midfielder Desiree Scott in the 58th minute saw the visitors stretch their lead 2-0.

The Vikes were unable to find their rhythm until late in the second half and it was Flock who netted her sixth goal of the season with seven minutes to play.

The home side went on to outshoot Manitoba 27-21 but struggled to find the answer to their eastern opponent's staunch defending.

"The difference on the day was that they were hungrier and they finished their chances," Vikes head coach Tracy David said after the final whistle. "If we had played the whole game like we did in the last ten minutes then we would have won."

The Vikes will look to rebound from their first loss of the season when they take on the Regina Cougars (1-4-0) on Sunday, September 27th. Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Centennial Stadium. Manitoba continues its weekend road trip with a stop in Abbotsford, B.C. to play the UFV Cascades (3-1-0).