SASKATOON, SK – A cold and snowy day welcomed teams to Griffiths Stadium in Nutrien Park for the Canada West Women's Soccer Quarter Final. Saturday afternoon's matchup featured the Saskatchewan Huskies who finished second in the Canada West Prairie Division with a record of 10-3-1. Their opponent was the third place University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat with a record of 8-4-2. 
 
The last time these two teams hit the field at Griffiths Stadium was September 17 as UBCO emerged victorious with a 3-2 win over Saskatchewan. The game marked their only matchup this season and Saturday's quarterfinal was expected to be a thrilling game between two top ranked teams. 
 
After a well-balanced game, the Saskatchewan Huskies came out on top with a 1-0 win over the UBCO Heat. 
 
Starting in goal for the Huskies was Kalin Roberts. The first year from Calgary, AB has started in nine games for Saskatchewan, racking up 42 saves on the season. The Heat turned to second year Talia Gagnon in goal, who had been their go-to in net this year. The Dieppe, NB product has had an impressive season for UBCO with 57 saves. 
 
The first ten minutes of the game saw a determined Huskies offence, pushing UBCO to defend their net. A shot from Canada West Second Team All-Star Alyssa D'Agnone in the 9^th minute stirred up some excitement for the Huskies, but the shot went just high after being tipped by UBCO keeper Gagnon. 
 
The Heat put the pressure on the Huskies in the 15^th minute with an impressive drive from forward Abigail Taneda from midfield to take a shot on Roberts, who made a quick save for Saskatchewan. 
 
Saskatchewan would open scoring in the Canada West Quarterfinal, with a beautiful shot from Alyssa D'Agnone in the 28^th minute to give the Huskies the 1-0 lead. Alyssa Scott took a wicked fast shot from midfield for the Heat, but Saskatchewan's Roberts was there to tip the ball and keep UBCO scoreless. At the half, the score was 1-0 Saskatchewan. 
 
Cheyenne Lehmann would have the first shot on goal in the second half for the Huskies in the 52^nd minute. An impressive save from UBCO's Gagnon would keep Saskatchewan from extending their lead. 
 
Saskatchewan's offense would keep pressing UBCO throughout the half, but the Heat's defense was focused, keeping the Huskies out of firing range for much of the half. The 80^th minute saw Stephanie Young press Saskatchewan's Roberts but the first year goaltender wouldn't let anything by. 
 
With limited scoring opportunities in the second half, UBCO wasn't able to find their way offensively and the Saskatchewan Huskies advance to the Canada West Final Four. 
 
Saskatchewan Head Coach Jerson Barandica-Hamilton was proud of the way his team performed in front of such a strong UBCO team.
 
"We knew UBCO was a strong team and we knew our opportunities were going to come during transitions. We capitalized on that really well and I thought defensively we were organized and committed. We limited the Heat to maybe one or two chances and for us to do that against such a strong team is a testament to the work this team has put in these last two weeks.
 
Barandica-Hamilton was proud of his Canada West All-Star's performance. "I told Alyssa yesterday that as a Canada West All-Star I wanted to see an All-Star performance and she did it. What's so impressive about Alyssa isn't just what she produces in scoring but the work ethic and the energy she puts in. She elevates everyone around her."
 
The Canada West Final Four can be streamed live on CanadaWest.TV. For championship information, visit WintheWest.ca.