The home opener for the 2013 season was greatly promoted and planned for by Cougar athletics, but mother nature couldn't cooperate as it poured all morning stopping only once the game started. Despite the rain the Cougar team prepared for the first game of the season ( Crowchild Classic no less) with varying levels of excitement and anxiety. The game started fast and physical from the first whistle with both teams having opportunities on net in the first 5 minutes. U of C however pulled ahead off of a corner kick which bounced around the box after the initial save. This goal was followed with another by U of C on a long shot that beat the keeper wide and found the corner of the net. Despite being down the Cougars managed to fend off any other attacks the Dinos created and left the half down only by 2. The second half started with better energy and momentum from the Cougars, and with some subs just after the half opportunities increased. Kristin Bloom being one of these substitutions increased the Cougars energy up front and with a ball across the net found Donella Lockhart, who managed to beat the keeper high and score the Cougars first goal. Unfortunately the Dinos responded with another goal by intercepting a pass back to the Cougar goalie. This game has shown that there are still things to be worked on and places to grow as a team. The challenge now is to bounce back and compete against the U of L in the second game of the weekend.
Special note about Brianna Keil, Kennedy Paonessa, Navroop Virk, and Alyssa Himbeault for their first game time in the CIS, welcome to the league ladies!
