The University of Regina's women's soccer team got goals from
Jet Davies,
Jessica Merk, and
Olivia Gables in the second half and collected a 3-1 road win over Winnipeg on Friday night in both teams' Canada West season opener.
Winnipeg got on the board first thanks to a goal in the 30th minute by Shae-Lynn Dodds and led 1-0 at the half, but it was all Cougars after the break.
"Tonight was a great group effort. We had lots of opportunities and maintained our focus and persistence after going down a goal against the run of play," said Cougars head coach
Bob Maltman. "
Lauren Petras was outstanding, and
Taylor Bubnick and
Jet Davies bossed the midfield for us all night long.
Davies levelled the score in the 71st minute after working into some space and unleashing a cannon from about 25 yards out. She tucked the shot right under the bar, giving the fifth-year midfielder her first career Canada West goal.
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And just when it looked like the game might be headed towards a draw, Merk had other ideas.
Kyra Vibert fired a shot off an attack up the left side that was saved by Winnipeg's keeper, but Merk – playing in her first conference game as a Cougar – tapped home the rebound to give Regina the late lead.
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Gables added the insurance marker in extra time to clinch the win.
The Cougars (1-0-0) will close out the two-match weekend road swing at Manitoba on Saturday night (7:30 PM CDT).
