On Feb. 8, the Seahawks defeated the Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX, a game that, by itself, wasn't the most entertaining. But for Seattle, that moment was the culmination of a decade-long project, rebuilding a contender after a would-be dynasty collapsed.
In their first playoff game this year, Men’s Basketball faced a battle-tested, experienced Manitoba team in a game that went down to the wire. While the Bisons turned in an exceptional final frame, UBC’s lead through three proved to be too much to handle.
Heading into this game, both UBC and UBCO had their playoff positioning secure — the T-Birds were in, while the Heat were out. Both teams wanted to finish well and send a message. The ‘Birds sent a strong one, showing off their experience to extend their winning streak into the playoffs.
Grace Elliott has done it all. She’s led the country in goals for two straight years. She’s the reigning U Sports player of the year. She’s UBC’s all-time point leader. Her university career is coming to an end this year, but she’s made the most of every second.
With 30 seconds left in UBC’s first win-or-go-home game of the year, the underdog Alberta Pandas were within a shot — and had the ball. But off an incredible defensive play, star ‘Birds guard Olivia Weekes stole the inbound, keeping UBC’s playoff hopes alive.
In a game that UBC trailed by as many as 16 points, the T-Birds’ playoff hopes were on life support. Then, down by seven in the final two minutes, guards Raj Dhadda and Holt Tomie got hot.
For head coach Dave Taylor, it had to be a strange feeling. After 32 years with the Regina Cougars — 19 of them as a head coach — he was on the other sideline, coaching UBC in a playoff game. In the end, the ‘Birds came out on top, beating Taylor’s former squad to stay alive in the postseason.
In their first game back in action after 20 days off, the T-Birds, perhaps understandably, took a while to get going in Game 1 of their semifinal series against Saskatchewan. After going down 3–0, the ‘Birds stormed back in the final 10 minutes to get within a goal, but were stymied by an excellent save in the last minute.
Through two sets, some level of panic had to be setting in for the T-Birds. Coming in heavily favoured, they had split their first two sets against the UFV Cascades, and had been outplayed. But then, in the remaining sets, while UFV succumbed to unforced errors, UBC diversified their attack and grew stronger as the game went on.
After a slow start doomed them in Friday’s series opener, things were looking better for the T-Birds after scoring two minutes in against Saskatchewan in Game 2. Then, they collapsed.
With a 20-day hiatus since their last test on the ice, it wouldn’t have been surprising if Women’s Hockey needed a period or two to gel. Instead, they scored early and often, with four different players getting a tally — a showcase of depth that bodes well for a long playoff run.
While UBC’s Game 1 win against the UFV Cascades was convincing, taking out their crosstown rival in four sets, there was room for improvement. In Game 2, they were much more complete, settling into the game and eliminating those playoff jitters, setting themselves up well for the next round.
This postseason, UBC has performed exceptionally well in the clutch. They’ve pulled through late against Alberta and Regina. Heading into the fourth quarter against Calgary tied, they should have been comfortable. They were not.
When UBC’s all-star forward, Mona Berlitz, tore her ACL in a preseason exhibition contest in her home country, Germany, her fourth season was cut short before it had even begun. But now, even while recovering, she’s discovered how to be there for her team, even if it’s not on the court.
Heading into the conference final, having won two of their three regular season games against the defending national champion Victoria Vikes, UBC had a shot to take down one of Canada’s best teams. At least, for the first six minutes.