The end of a painful year

By Katie Hobday

The Dinos field hockey team wrapped up their winless season in Victoria last weekend–their results were par for the course. The tournament opened with a 4-0 loss to the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, followed by a devastating 6-0 loss to the University of Alberta Pandas, and, finally, a 2-0 loss to the University of Victoria Vikes.

“We had a slim chance,” Assistant Coach Carolyn Fitzgerald said of playoff hopes before the tournament, “but the girls were all on-board. The girls really came together on Sunday. The score, unfortunately, doesn’t reflect the way we played.”

“I thought we played pretty well,” goaltender Burgundy Biletski agreed, “but the scores don’t reflect that. The other teams really capitalized on their opportunities. Our last game, I felt like everyone played really well. It was nice to end on a high note.”

Though their record didn’t improve for the rest of the tournament, it wasn’t for lack of trying. The team had several good scoring opportunities but weren’t able to break their opposition’s defense.

Despite the team’s shortcomings, individual players were recognized for their talent and outstanding achievements all season long. Biletski was awarded the Gail Wilson Award for Most Outstanding Contributor and first-year Tanis Bartolome was named Canada West Rookie of the Year. Both women were also named to the Canada West All-Conference Team.

“It’s awesome. It’s a really big honour,” said Biletski, who was nominated for the award by her peers and coaches. “It’s nice to be recognized.”

It was significant for the team to be acknowledged for its talented players in the face of an unremarkable season. Regardless of the disappointing outcome, the U of C’s most positive team had nothing but good things to say about their season and looks forward to years to come.

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