Marisa Mendonca (5^th year, midfield, Penticton, BC) scored twice to help lead the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack to a 5-3 come from behind victory over the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat on Wednesday (Aug 28). The match was played at Nonis Field and was both sides final exhibition matches of the 2019 Canada West season.

The WolfPack finish the preseason with a record of 4 and 2. Thompson Rivers trailed UBCO  3-0 at the half.

"It was definitely a game of two halves," says WolfPack head coach Mark Pennington.  " We were poor in the opening stages as we missed two clear cut chances then not clearing our lines. We were punished going down 3-0 from UBCO's first three attempts ongoal.  We struggled to get to pressure properly and UBCO dominated the first half."

Pennington says he and the coaching staff challenged the players at the half.   " We asked them to change the game and potentially create turning point for the program and show who we are and what we are capable. Wow what a second half it was!. Big credit to the entire group as they did that."

Mendonca got Pack on the board capitalizing from a well executed set piece.  Her second goal made it 3-2 as she struck the ball from 25 yards out.  " It was a good response for her as she spearheaded the teams comeback," Pennington added.

Julia Burkart (2^nd year, defender, Nelson, BC)  scored her first Canada West career goal to tie things up on a long range strike.

TRU took the lead when rookie forward Rylee Mugridge (Maple Ridge, BC) scored her first University goal capitalizing after her pressure created a turnover.

The final goal for the 'Pack came off the foot of Taylor Miller (5^th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) who hunted down the ball before slotting it into the UBCO cage.  It was Miller's first goal since returning to University soccer earlier this month.

Rookie keeper Mae Hobenschied (Port Coquitlam, BC) went the distance in the nets.

Looking back at the match Pennington said, " Obviously some things to fix but the big positive for me was the players attitude and mentality to get themselves back into the game and show some real heart and character to change the result. I can't ask for much more than that in the second half."

The WolfPack return to the practice pitch and have their Canada West regular season opener on Thursday, September 5^th in Prince George, BC against the UNBC Timberwolves.  TRU's home opener is Friday, September 13^th on the Warner Rentals field at Hillside Stadium when the McEwan Griffins pay a visit. Kick off is 5:30 PM.  That night is "Puppies and Pints' sponsored by Petland.  There will be a special section at Hillside where dog owners can sit with their four legged friends and watch the match and enjoy beer courtesy of Iron Road Brewing.   There will also be a special half time show involving canines.  That match and Saturday's (Sept 14) against the Alberta Pandas are part of the annual "alumni weekend'.
All Canada West league matches will be seen on a pay-per-view basis on Canada West TV.