Box Score

Tatiana Rafter scored two goals and added an assist as the UBC Thunderbirds beat the University of Regina Cougars 3-2 on Saturday night in Canada West women's hockey action.

Bailey Braden and Stephanie Sawchuk both scored for the Cougars, who fall to 5-1-0 on the season but still remain in first place in the conference standings.

The Thunderbirds came out strong early in the first, and their persistence would finally pay off with a goal from Nicole Saxvik with just under five minutes to play in the period. UBC would add to their lead in the middle of the second, with Rafter finding the back of the net on the power play.

Five minutes later, the Cougars struck back. Bailey Braden scored her second goal of the year on the power play to cut the Thunderbirds' lead to one. But less than a minute later, Rafter would beat Ross once again to restore UBC's two goal lead.

The third period saw the Cougars pressuring UBC early. Their efforts paid off with a goal 28 seconds into the frame, off the stick of Stephanie Sawchuk. Despite pulling goalie Toni Ross in the dying minutes, the Cougars were unable to complete the comeback and UBC skated to a 3-2 victory.

Danielle Lemon stopped 28 shots for the Thunderbirds to pick up the win in net. UBC improves to 3-2-1, and will now head home to host Alberta (4-1-1) next weekend.

The Cougars, who got 19 saves from Ross tonight, will be back in action next weekend at home against Mount Royal. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday night and 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon at The Co-operators Centre.