Scoring like real rock stars

By Selnes and Bogle

It was a proud weekend for the Dinos. They trampled the eighth-ranked team in the nation, the University of Manitoba Bisons, Oct. 8-9, dominating both games. The wins move our ladies into the 10th spot in the national coaches’ poll. The games were a welcome change for a Dinos team that, previously, had not managed to score at home this season.

Saturday’s game began explosively as Erin Ramsay rammed a well-placed header past the Manitoba keeper, quickly ending the Dinos’ dry spell at home. But Ramsay wasn’t to be outdone, and wasn’t the only Dino to score that day. Kara Sturk, Jessica Horning and Stephanie Hoogveld all got in on the action, giving the Dinos four goals on the day.

Dinos keeper Taryn Swiatek showed us why she’s on the national team, making several miraculous saves to clinch a shut-out for the Dinos. Smiles were deservedly broad at the end of the game.

“The second half was one of the better performances of the season,” noted Horning, a Dinos midfielder.

The two teams clashed for a second time on Sunday. Although they seemed more evenly matched, the Dinos managed to pull off a 1-0 victory over the Bisons. It was the Dinos’ third straight shut-out.

The Bisons seemed overwhelmed by our ladies’ relentless offense. Their only defense was to keep playing the ball safely out of bounds.

This strategy worked effectively until Dinos defender Erin Harris placed a free kick on net that was simply too much to handle. The goal proved to be enough, as both goalies hired brick-layers from SAIT to construct stone walls before their nets.

For her incredible netminding all weekend, Swiatek was named Canada West Player of the Week. In her last five games, she has allowed only two goals, helping the Dinos to a second place tie in the Western Conference at 4-2-3. Her strength and leadership are illustrated every game. Her presence has been felt ever since her return to the Dinos following a game with the national team against Germany in early September.

In the upcoming weeks, Horning believes communication will be key if the Dinos hope to continue their success. The Dinos take on the University of Alberta Pandas Sat., Oct. 15 in a home game beginning at noon.