FRIDAY: vs. Alberta, 7:00 p.m. (The Co-operators Centre)
SATURDAY: vs. Alberta, 3:00 p.m. (The Co-operators Centre)

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The University of Regina women's hockey team will kick off the second half of its Canada West schedule this weekend with a critical matchup against the Alberta Pandas.

Alberta (9-1-6-1) is currently tied for third in the conference with 29 points, while Regina sits at 4-6-5-1 with 25 points.

Regina holds the sixth seed in Canada West, which is good enough for a playoff spot, but head coach Sarah Hodges is aiming higher.
"We were the fifth seed last year and we had some success, so obviously it's not too important. It would be nice to move up but we're not focused on it, the goal is always winning."

The two teams met in October for a pair of games, and Alberta won 7-1 in the first before Regina bounced back for a 2-1 victory to earn the split.

"The break came at a good time for us," Hodges said. "We needed some time to rest and to get healthy, and the girls are excited to be back in action."

Kylie Gavelin had an impressive first half of the season for the Cougars, as she notched a career high 10 goals to go along with two assists. Her 10 goals rank her tied for second in Canada West, and in sight of the Cougars single-season record of 23, the mark current assistant coach Brandy West-McMaster set during the 1999-2000 season.

Triston Riemer is second on the team in points, with eight. Brooklyn Moskowy, Bailey Braden, Carleen Meszaros, Stephanie Sawchuk and Alexis Larson each tallied six points in the first half.

"We've worked on capitalizing on our opportunities when they are there," Hodges added. "We're going to continue to focus on our hard work and our defence, and the offence will come."

Jennifer Schmidt and Toni Ross have split time in net for the Cougars, with each goalie making eight starts. Schmidt has posted a 6-1-1 record and is second in Canada West with a .941 save percentage. Ross sits at 4-4 on the season and is just behind Schmidt with a .939 save percentage, good enough for fourth in the conference. Both netminders also have goals-against averages under 2.00, with Schmidt at 1.71 and Ross at 1.92.

The Pandas are led by Jessica Kampjes, who has recorded 10 goals is second in Canada West with 16 points. Hannah Olenyk is close behind Kampjes with 15 points and Alison Campbell has 14.

Lindsey Post has started every game between the pipes for Alberta, registering a 1.50 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.

Friday's contest is set for 7 p.m. at The Co-operators Centre and Saturday's rematch is slated for 3 p.m.