KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack women's soccer team made sure that they finished their 2023 season with a bang, defeating the UNBC Timberwolves by a score of 5-0 in Prince George.
 
"They all bought in to finishing the season strong, it's obviously disappointing to know going into the game that the playoffs are out of reach but we talked in the room about what our values are and our identity is that we give 100 per cent all the time," said WolfPack head coach Mark Pennington.
 
The five goals scored by TRU is the second-most in the program's Canada West history and their highest mark since 2018.
 
Ainsley Grether scored twice while both Bella Geremia and Jocelyn Orr scored the first WolfPack goals of their careers with rookie Kat Stewart scoring her third of the year to round out the scorers. Forward Esi Lufo continued to play provider finishing the game with two assists. Lufo's mark of seven assists on the season sets a new program record.
 
"They stepped up in a game that we could have had an excuse to not show up after the disappointment of Friday night," said Pennington of his team. "We had a couple injuries and the players that had the opportunity to step in were up to the challenge and I thought they played really well."
 
While the 'Pack will finish just shy of a playoff spot, their record of 5-7-2 is tied for the second-best regular season in the program's Canada West history. Alongside that sparkling mark, the 21 goals that the team scored this season sets a new program single-season record.
 
"The fact that we are disappointed with this record shows some real growth in the program and in our mentality," said Pennington. "Some really positive steps and this game was essentially the start of our preparation for next year. Everyone is upset and disappointed to miss the playoffs but we're all committed to working hard and get primed and ready to get back at it next year."
 
The 'Pack set the tone early with Grether scoring twice in the opening 40 minutes of play to send TRU into the halftime break up 2-0. Geremia's goal at the 52nd minute mark came from well over 40 yards away from the goal while Orr and Stewart both had beautiful finishes from the edge of the 18-yard box to put an exclamation point on the game.
 
One player not appearing on the scoresheet but making an undeniable impact on the game was Emily Clark. In what will be her final game with the WolfPack the graduating forward from Kamloops was a constant threat for TRU.
 
"She gave a really solid 90 minutes, was unlucky not to get a goal but her work rate and industriousness created space and allowed us to score goals," said Pennington. "She's been a really pivotal person for this program and we will be sad to see her go."