The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team is hoping that a return to the friendly climes of Hillside Stadium will translate into their first victory of the Canada West season.

Following a two week, four game road swing to the coast, the ‘Pack are entertaining the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves.  The two teams will battle it out Friday and Saturday (Oct 10-11).  Friday’s match has a 1 pm start time with Saturday’s going at noon.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I’m happy to be back on our home field,” said WolfPack head coach Tom McManus. “ We are fortunate as we have once again had a great following at all our away games but it’ll be nice to be back at Hillside Stadium.”

It is a venue where these two teams met earlier this year: with the WolfPack winning both times (3-0 on August 30 th and 2-0 on August 31^st).

Kindra Maricle looks to pass off to Taylor Miller (Allen Douglas photo)

TRU enters the weekend winless in its first eight Canada West starts while UNBC will be going into its final weekend of the regular season with no wins, eight losses and two draws.  McManus says he won’t be using the exhibition victories as a motivator.  “ Every team in this league is good and that is what we expect. We will be working hard in the remaining four games of the season.  Anyone who takes a team lightly because you beat them in the preseason is asking to get beat when you play them again.”

Jodi Hutton vs UNBC earlier this year (Allen Douglas photo)

The WolfPack haven’t scored a goal since the opening weekend of the season. That is something they hope to rectify this week.   McManus says the growing pains experienced through their first eight inaugural CIS matches haven’t weighed his troops down. “Believe it or not, the girls are feeling very positive even after a tough run. We went out and worked very hard in every game but as all high performance athletes know, that doesn’t always translate into victories.”

Olivia Rasmussen vs UNBC earlier this year (Andrew Snucins photo)

Defensively: Thompson Rivers is a little shorthanded after losing both Olivia Rasmussen (3^rd year, Kamloops, BC) and Christine Fergin (1^st year, Waterloo, ON) for the rest of the season with injuries.

Christine Fergin vs UNBC earlier this year (Allen Douglas photo)

“We’ll be moving some players around but once again all of the players available what to do whatever it takes for the team,” McManus adds. “We are expecting four tough matches to end the season but we will go out and continue to push for the wins. The players are working hard and the mood in training is very good.”

Emily Edmundson (Andrew Snucins photo)

The Timberwolves keeper: Jordan Hall (4^th year, Prince George, BC) leads the Canada West in saves (76) while WolfPack keeper Emily Edmundson (5^th year, Kamloops, BC) is third in saves with 68.

Both matches will be webcast on http://canadawest.tv

WolfPack women with a KYSA mini team earlier this year

On Saturday, two U-11 teams from the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association: “Blizzards” and “Lemonators” will accompany both team’s starters onto the field. Its part of the “Gyldi’s Pizza/TRU WolfPack/KYSA Soccer experience.”  The youth squads will play at half time and then have pizza/beverage party supplied by Gyldi’s Pizza. The day will conclude with the teams coming down to the WolfPack bench to meet the TRU Players.

After spending the last two weeks on the road, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team is returning to Hillside Stadium for matches in the Canada West this Friday and Saturday (Oct 10-11).

Their opponents will be the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves.  The T-wolves might just be what the WolfPack need on this “Thanksgiving Day” weekend as Thompson Rivers is looking for their first victory and first goal of their inaugural Canada West campaign.

Entering the weekend, UNBC sits with three wins and seven defeats.  The WolfPack have yet to find the win column but do have a tie in their first eight matches.

WolfPack head coach John Antuov (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Hopefully the home crowd can give us some confidence going into these games,” says WolfPack head coach John Antulov about being at home for three of their final four league matches. “ It should help the players to have friends and family here to support them after a difficult part of the season.”

Antulov says the game plan for this week against the Timberwolves is simple: “ We have to be able to put the ball in the net. If you take away the one UBC and both games against UVIC, we have been very competitive but to get results we have to score.”

WolfPack keeper Travis Froehlich (Lindsay Bax photo)

The Timberwolves starting keeper, Ty venhola (3^rd year, Abbotsford, BC) has the fourth best saves percent in the Canada West (.820).  WolfPack keeper Travis Froehlich (4^th year, Revelstoke, BC) has the fourth most saves in the league (50).

Antulov says through the first eight games of the year—where TRU has played four of the toughest squads—he has seen some positives. ‘The compete level of the players and not giving up as well as the play of our younger players and their growth.”

Mike Harvey in the air vs UNBC earlier this year (Jesse Olynyk photo)

The TRU head coach would like to have a healthy line up going into the final four matches of the campaign. “ We have not had our starting 11 since the first two games of the season and this has had an impact on our results. Although it’s been great for the younger players to get quality time.  I haven’t had to tinker too much with our line up aside with having to go with the youth more than I expected.”

Mike Harvey again vs UNBC–he has missed most of this season with injury (Jesse Olynyk photo)

The Timberwolves and the WolfPack have played twice before. It was in the preseason where UNBC won 4-1 and then the teams tied 1-1.

Brandon Mendez vs UNBC earlier this year (Jesse Olynyk photo)

Game times are Friday (Oct 10) at 3:30 pm and Saturday (Oct 11) at 2 pm.

WolfPack preparing to take the field with a KYSA mini team earlier this year

On Saturday—two U-7 boys teams (the Snipers and Purple Dark Knights) will accompany the starters onto the field for the opening ceremonies.  They are part of the Gyldi’s Pizza/TRU WolfPack/KYSA soccer experience. The two teams will play at half time, be treated to a pizza/beverage party courtesy of Gyldi’s Pizza and then meet members of the WolfPack after the contest.

This weekends matches can be seen on:  http://canadawest.tv

If there is one team which should raise a lot of eyebrows among the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack CIS clubs this year: it could very well be women’s volleyball.

After going winless through the last two Canada West seasons, the WolfPack had a great preseason: winning five and losing three. The curtain goes up on the 2014-15 campaign on Friday (Oct 10) with the WolfPack visiting the Trinity Western University Spartans at the Langley Events Centre.

WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm (Andrew Snucins photo)

WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm recruited a number of new faces this year and is confident going into the start of the year.  “ I have been happy with our progress,” he says. “ We have definitely had our ups and downs but as long as we are focusing on the process and getting better each practice then we are headed in the right direction.”

Tori Taneda (Andrew Snucins photo)

Grimm feels his squad has done its best to prepare for the regular season and they are happy with the hard work they have put in during practices since they started in the latter part of August.

The pre-season saw the WolfPack play squads from the NCAA, Canada West and the PACWEST. “ We had competition from the beginning in order to sort out what we had regarding different pieced that were added in the off season (personnel wise). I have liked that everyone has had the chance to play valuable minutes since we will all have to contribute in order to be successful.”

Morgan Kolasa (Andrew Snucins photo)

Grimm adds : “ We have started to create a more competitive culture where people are comfortable pushing both themselves and their teammates each day in order to strengthen the group.”

When he looks at the make-up of the Canada West this season, the ‘Pack coach says.’ The league will be relentless where we have eight weekends in a row where we will be playing important matches. There is no time to lose focus and not improve.”

The WolfPack will play the first two weekends on the road before returning to the Tournament Capital Centre on October 24 th to entertain the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.  “To me it doesn’t matter if we start on the road or home,” Grimm states. “ At the end of the day, we need to be prepared to compete every time we step on the court regardless of circumstances or what may be going on around us.”

Iuliia Pakhomenko (Andrew Snucins photo)

In order for the WolfPack to compete, Grimm believes it will have to be a team effort. “ I think there are various people on our team that have the ability to have very successful seasons.  With the addition of Iuliia Pakhomenko (3^rd year, outside hitter, Donstk, Ukraine) and her ability to shoulder much of the offensive load. I think players such as Brianne Rauch (3^rd year, outside hitter, Kimberley, BC) and Krista Hogewoning (4^th year, outside hitter, Delta, BC) will benefit from not being the primary focus of the opposition. That will be new for both of them.  I think this shift will allow them both to be more efficient on the offensive side of the ball. I also think that shifting Alyssa Wolf (4^th year, South Surrey, BC) to the libero spot strengthens our leadership core on the court, which will also benefit both of our setters (Kara Twomey, 3^rd year, Winnipeg ,MB and Katie Woo, 3^rd year, Surrey, BC) and their distribution of the ball.”

Kara Twomey (Allen Douglas photo)

Both of the matches this weekend like all of the WolfPack matches this year will be seen on www. Canadawesttv.ca.

Looking to improve upon a bronze medal win in their return to the post season, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball team opens its 2014-15 Canada West regular season Friday night (Oct 10) in Langley, BC.  Their opponents will be league runners-up: the Trinity Western University Spartans.

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Andrew Snucins photo)

Pat Hennelly’s team finished the pre-season with a pair of victories last weekend (Oct 3-4) against the University of Windsor Lancers. The ‘Pack have played more exhibition matches than any other Canada West team (10).  Hennelly believes the extra playing time has paid off.

Casey Knight (Andrew Snucins photo)

But as they enter the regular season, Thompson Rivers enters things a bit banged up. “ Casey Knight (5^th year, outside hitter, Salt Spring Island, BC) has missed the last three weeks,” Hennelly states.

Canada West and CIS player of the year Brad Gunter (Andrew Snucins photo)

Knight along with CIS Player of the Year Brad Gunter (4^th year, outside hitter, Courtenay, BC) are expected to shoulder the main offensive load for TRU this season.

Brandon Hewwing (Allen Douglas photo)

Hennelly says there have been a few bright lights during the exhibition season which will help the team now that they are ‘playing for real’. “ I have been happy with the development of the first year players along with the emergence of some second year players in Jordan Foot (middle, Prince George, BC) and Randy Grundmann (outside hitter, Winnipeg, MB). Brandon Hewwing (4^th year, outside hitter, Calgary, AB) has been good in a number of matches as well.”

Jordan Foot (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack will start the season on the road for the first two weeks. Hennelly looks at how the schedule shakes down. “We have a long first half with the back to back road matches. Thankfully Langley and Calgary are both relatively short. I think it will good to start on the road before coming back to the Tournament Capital Centre for our typically big home opening crowd.  This year in the Canada West will be a long season and injuries and depth will be a factor.  We are in a good spot with Casey coming back and none of our other senior players injured.”

The TRU coach feels there will be a battle for playoff positions from the opening weekend. “ It seems every spot from first to 13 th will be contested. I think some very good teams will miss the playoffs this year.”

Stuart Richey (Andrew Snucins photo)

When he looks at his roster—he thinks his veterans will all have solid years led by Gunter, Knight, Stuart Richey (5^th year, outside hitter, Gibson’s BC), Blake Majcher (5^th year, libero, Brandon, MB)  and Matt Krueger (5^th year, libero, Abbotsford, BC).

Blake Majcher (Andrew Snucins photo)

He adds another player who had a solid exhibition campaign and will be a factor will be 3^rd year middle Daniel Eikland Rod (Oz, Norway).

Daniel Eikeland Rod (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers has its home opener on Friday October 24 th at the TCC against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.  Game time is 7:45 pm.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s basketball team finally got a chance to see some game action in 2014-15.

The WolfPack dismantled the Columbia Bible College Bearcats (PACWEST) 118-64 in front over nearly 200 people at the Tournament Capital Centre on Thursday night (Oct 9).

Thompson Rivers scored 31 points in the first quarter and 35 points in the final quarter en route to the victory.

“Offensively we shot the ball pretty well,” said WolfPack head coach Scott Clark. “That wasn’t the issue.  I thought we gave up some weak baskets. Whether it were from jumpers that were unguarded or whatever. I thought defensively, we were a step late. It is something to build upon.”

The WolfPack turned over the ball 12 times to Columbia Bible College’s 20.

TRU led 56-42 at the half and had five players in double figures led by Brett Rouault (5^th year, guard, Vernon, BC) with 20 points.

Gerard Gore (4^th year, forward, St. John’s Antiqua) had a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds (nine on offense).

Josh Wolfram (4^th year, forward, Kamloops, BC) and Brett Parker (5^th year, guard, Langley, BC) 3each had 15 points.

Newcomer  Victor Aguero (3^rd year, guard, Vancouver, WA) had 12 points.

Clark got everyone in his line up into the game.  “Everybody got allotted time.  We wanted to let everyone get a feel. We will take four days off to recharge. We have been going two a days for most of September and October. The guys can go home and enjoy their families and get a little break.  Hopefully they will come back energetic.”

Columbia Bible College was led by Addison King (2^nd year, forward, Bellingham, WA) with 21 points. Former WolfPack Hudson Naylor (5^th year, guard, Kamloops, BC) had 12 points and five rebounds in 27 minutes of court time.

The WolfPack will head to UBC for pre season games against the University of Windsor Lancers on Friday (Oct 17) and the University of Western Ontario Mustangs (Oct 18).

Thompson Rivers has their home opener on Friday, November 7 th against the UNBC Timberwolves.  Tip off at the Tournament Capital Centre is 8 pm.

Anyone who thinks the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s volleyball team will be an easy victory this Canada West season should think again.
The WolfPack opened the 2014-15 campaign with a 3-0 loss to the hometown Trinity Western University Spartans on Friday night (Oct 10). The scores were very close: 25-21, 25-22,25-20.

WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm (Andrew Snucins photo)

“We had some moments when we were solid but then we had moments when we stopped believing in ourselves,’ said WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm.
He was referring to the opening set where the WolfPack led the perennially strong Spartans 15-9.

“We aren’t used to playing with the lead and I think it got into our heads,” Grimm continued as he pointed to 14 service errors in the first two sets.
“We need to go play hard for every point,” he continued. “ If we don’t we are going to get beaten up pretty bad in this league.”

Iuliia Pakhomenko (Andrew Snucins photo)

TRU was led by Iuliia Pakhomenko (3rd year, outside hitter ,Donetsk, Ukraine) with 13 kills in 36 swings with a service ace and seven digs.

Krista Hogewoning (Andrew Snucins photo)

Krista Hogewoning (4th year, outside hitter, Delta, BC) had 10 kills in 28 opportunities. She added 10 digs.

Kara Twomey (Andrew Snucins photo)

Kara Twomey (3rd year, setter, Winnipeg, MB) had 33 assists.

Trinity Western was led by Sophie Carpentier with 10 kills in 24 chances. Vanessa Cornwall had 25 assists while Kristen Moncs added 11 digs.

WolfPack second year players (l-r) Tori Taneda, Kaitlin Lomas and Gabby Fortin (Andrew Snucins photo)

The two teams will play again Saturday (Oct 11) at the Langley Events Centre. The WolfPack don’t have their home opener until Friday October 24 th when they entertain the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. Game time is 6 pm at the Tournament Capital Centre.

It was a good start but not a great finish as the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s volleyball team kicked off their 2014-15 Canada West season on Friday night (Oct 10).

The WolfPack lost 3-1 to the Trinity Western University Spartans at the Langley Events Centre. The scores were 25-15, 16-24,19-25,21-25.

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Allen Douglas photo)

“We struggled at times with reading the games and I think nerves played a part,’ said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly. “Trinity Western managed the ball very well and we struggled to pick up some easy balls. The Spartans played very well.”

Brad Gunter (Andrew Snucins photo)

CIS player of the year Brad Gunter (4^th year, outside hitter, Courtenay, BC) led the way for Thompson Rivers with 25 kills in 53 chances with two service aces and nine digs.

Randy Grundmann (Allen Douglas photo)

Randy Grundmann (2^nd year, outside hitter, Winnipeg, MB) was seven for 15 with six digs.

Stuarty Richey (Allen Douglas photo)

Stuart Richey( 5^th year, outside hitter, Gibson’s, BC) had 12 digs along with five kills in 15 chances.

Graham Stoliker (Allen Douglas photo)

Graham Stoliker (4^th year, setter, Surrey, BC) had 43 assists.

Trinity was led by Blake Steerhoorn with 14 kills in 39 chances with four digs and three service aces. Ryan Schlater was nine for 27 while Adam Schriemer had 12 digs and 35 assists.

The same two teams will play Saturday (Oct 11) in Langley. The WolfPack don’t have their Canada West  home opener until Friday October 24 th at the Tournament Capital Centre when they face the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack remain one of two winless teams in the Canada West Women’s Soccer League Pacific Division.

This follows their 2-1 defeat at the hands of the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves at Hillside Stadium on Friday (Oct 10).  The Timberwolves move to 1-8-2 on the season with one match to play.  The WolfPack are now winless in nine starts. The other team without a victory is UBCO.

UNBC rallied from a 1-0 deficit en route to the victory.

“We came out and started to click by moving the ball around but then we sort of stopped,” said a dejected WolfPack head coach Tom McManus afterwards. “ Aside from the last 15 minutes of the second half we didn’t start hitting the net. It has been our problem all year.”

The WolfPack took the lead three minutes into the contest when Jaydene Radu (4^th year, forward Calgary, AB) spotted an open Taylor Miller (3^rd year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) on the left side. She used her speed to blast around a defender and hammer the ball into the lower left portion of the net on Timberwolves keeper Jordan Hall (4^th year, Prince George, BC).

UNBC tied the score at the 27 th minute when Sydney Roy (3^rd year, forward, Burnaby, BC) scored her fourth goal of the campaign going to the lower left side of the goal on a penalty kick on Emily Edmundson (5^th year, keeper, Kamloops, BC).

“The penalty kick was huge,” said McManus. “The referee saw it differently but we have to accept that.  We asked the official what the call was and he said their player was knocked down at the back. It was pretty difficult to determine.”

The winning goal was scored in the 39 th minute.  Katie Blokker (3^rd year, midfielder, London, ON) sent the ball through to Jessica Erickson (2^nd year, midfield, Prince George, BC). Her shot was initially caught by Edmundson but then dropped.

McManus said it was unfortunate. “ She apologized to the team at half time. Unfortunately, it shouldn’t have gone in. These things happen. We as a team should be able to work together rather than relying someone else.  This is just not good enough. We are better than what our record is right now.  We are playing good soccer. We are dominating at times but we are losing 1-0. We have to dig deep and be quicker.”

The WolfPack had a lot of chances in the second half but couldn’t finish.  Team co-captain Bronwyn Crawford said it summed up their season: no finish. “We have been working on finishing all year in practice.  We do well then. I don’t know if the pressure in games or what it is. We seem anxious in front of the goal. We have struggled all season offensively. We know we can finish and we have finishers on our team. But something happens to us in the games.”

The WolfPack and the Timberwolves play again Saturday (Oct 11) at Hillside. It will be a noon kick off and the final match of the year for UNBC.

McManus acknowledges the Canada West has been tough.  “We have three of the best teams in the country—UBC, UVIC and Trinity Western playing here.  They have been great. We have played them to 1-0.  I feel sorry for the players.  They are working hard. We need to get some luck.”

The TRU Bookstore/McDonalds “Leader of the Pack” was Marlie Rittinger (3rd year, defender, Ashcroft, BC) for her strong play.

It was a historic day for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team. The WolfPack won their first Canada West match and scored their first goal in regular season play as they downed the visiting University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves 1-0 at Hillside Stadium on Friday (Oct 10).

Corey Wallis (Andrew Snucins photo)

With two weeks to go in the regular season, Thompson Rivers moves to a win, seven losses and a tie. UNBC—who were mathematically still in the running for a playoff spot in the Pacific Division fall to 3-8.
“We played very well in the first half as we knocked the ball around,” said WolfPack head coach John Antulov. “ In the second, we got away from our game plan a bit. I think it was a bit of nerves. Being up 1-0 and potentially winning our first game since we haven’t been there for a bit. Now that we got that first goal and first win, it relieves a bit of pressure. Hopefully we can play like we did the first half today: tomorrow.”

Jacob Kaay gets congrats after scoring TRU’s first ever Canada West regular season goal (Andrew Snucins photo)

Jacob Kaay (midfield, Kamloops, BC) is the team’s only fifth year player. It seemed like poetic justice that it was he who scored the first ever TRU goal in Canada West history. It came in the 27 th minute off a free kick.

Satinder Dhaliwal heading the ball was the TRU Bookstore/Mcdonalds “Leader of the Pack” player of the game (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Jake has been a good soldier for five years and it is nice that he got it because it’s his last year,” stated Antulov. “But we have three more games to go so hopefully he is not done yet.”
Satinder Dhaliwal (2nd year, midfield, Surrey, BC) took the kick and Kaay got his head on it. Dhaliwal was named the “TRU Bookstore/McDonalds Leader of the Pack Player of the Match”.
“Sat played really great today,” said Antulov. “ He stopped some really great balls. He brought some big leadership for us.”

Oriol Torres (Andrew Snucins photo)

Travis Froehlich (4th year, Revelstoke, BC) notched his second shutout of the Canada West season. He faced six shots including four in the second half. Ty Venhola (3rd year, keeper, Abbotsford, BC) made four saves.

(Andrew Snucins photo)

The two teams will play again Saturday (Oct 11) at Hillside Stadium at 2 pm. It will be the final contest for UNBC. The WolfPack close things out next weekend (Oct 18-19) with a home and home series against the UBCO Heat.

Another weekend of home soccer games at Hillside Stadium also brought more Kamloops Youth Soccer Teams being a part of the sixth annual Gyldi’s Pizza/TRU WolfPack/KYSA Soccer Experience. This week: Two U-11 girls and two U-7 boys teams.

Heading into the 2014-15 Canada West men’s volleyball season, Thompson Rivers University WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly thought it would be a dogfight for the first 10 positions in the league standings.
If the first weekend of play is any indication: he is absolutely right.

The WolfPack went into the Langley Events Centre for a pair of matches with the always tough Trinity Western University Spartans. Thompson Rivers dropped both of them 3-1 on Friday (Oct 10) and in three straight sets on Saturday (Oct 11).

The scores Saturday were 25-23, 25-22, 25-20.

Randy Grundmann (Allen Douglas photo)

The WolfPack were led by Randy Grundmann (2nd year, outside hitter, Winnipeg, MB) He had 12 kills on 23 swings.

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Randy had his best performance as a member of the WolfPack, “stated Hennelly. “He hit very well and served great. Randy has worked hard on his ball control and it has paid off. He was a big recruit for us last year and has a bright future in this league.”

Brad Gunter (Andrew Snucins photo)

CIS Player of the Year Brad Gunter (4th year, outside hitter, Courtenay, BC) was limited to eight kills on 22 opportunities with a service ace and six digs. Gunter had to leave the match after dislocating his finger in the third set.

Graham Stoliker (Andrew Snucins photo)

Graham Stoliker (4th year, setter, Surrey, BC) had 22 assists.

Matt Krueger (Andrew Snucins photo)

Matt Krueger (5th year, libero, Abbotsford, BC) and Gunter tied for the team high with six digs.

For Trinity Western: Ryan Sclater had 13 kills on 25 chances. Adam Schriemer had a team high 12 assits while Tyler Koslowsky led the Spartans in digs with 8.

The WolfPack are on the road again next weekend (Oct 17-18) as they visit the Dinos at the University of Calgary. Their Canada West home opener is Friday, October 24 th at the Tournament Capital Centre against the University of BC Thunderbirds. Game time is 7:45 pm.

(With Help from Trinity Western University Sports Information)

The learning curve continued for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s volleyball team on Saturday (Oct 11).

The WolfPack led the Trinity Western University Spartans 2-0 and wound up falling to the perennial power house Spartans 3-2.  The scores were 22-25, 20-25, 25-21,25-11,15-13.

The weekend results put the Spartans at 2 and 0 on the season while TRU falls to 0 and 2.

WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I liked our fortitude to battle back in the fifth set,” said WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm. “ We were down 10-4 but wound up battling to tie at 13.   We are still looking to find our level of focus but we are definitely motivated to succeed. We will work and be prepared for next week in Calgary.”

Morgan Kolasa and Brianne Rauch (Andrew Snucins photo)

In the first set, the teams battled point for point but at 8-8, the ‘Pack were able to take control using a Morgan Kolasa (2^nd year, middle, Calgary, AB) serving run to take a 16-11 lead.

Brianne Rauch (Andrew Snucins photo)

Brianne Rauch (3^rd year, outside hitter, Kimberley, BC) extended the TRU lead to 20-13 as the WolfPack hit 17.5 per cent to Trinity’s zero percent.

In the second set, the WolfPack hit for 14.8 per cent—leading 16-14 at the break and went on a 5-1 run to lead 21-15.

The WolfPack had three players in double figures for kills.

Iuliia Pakhomenko (Andrew Snucins photo)

Iuliia Pakhomenko (3^rd year, outside hitter, Donetsk, Ukraine) had 12 kills in 31 chances with 16 digs.

Kolasa wound up with 10 kills in 1 opportunities while Rauch had 10 kills in 39 opportunities.  She added 10 digs.

Krista Hogewoning (Andrew Snucins photo)

Krista Hogewoning (4^th year, outside hitter, Delta, BC) had eight kills in 35 chances with a team high three service aces and 14 kills.

Alyssa Wolf (Andrew Snucins photo)

Alyssa Wolf (4^th year, libero, South Surrey,BC) had 15 digs.

Kara Twomey (Andrew Snucins photo)

Kara Twomey (3^rd year, setter, Winnipeg, MB) had 31 assists.

Trinity Western was led by Alicia Perrin with nine kills in 25 chances. Vanessa Cornwall had 30 assists.  Sophie Carpentier had 11 digs.

The WolfPack go to Calgary next weekend (Oct 17-18) before returning to the Tournament Capital Centre for their home opener against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds on Friday, October 24, 2014.  Game time is 6 pm.

(with help from Trinity Western University Sports Information)

It will be a sweet Thanksgiving weekend for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team.

The WolfPack swept the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves in a pair of Canada West matches at Hillside Stadium.   On Saturday (Oct 11), the score was 3-0.

TRU moves to two wins, seven losses and one draw while the Timberwolves finish the campaign with three wins and nine defeats.

WolfPack head coach John Antulov (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I think confidence does wonders,” said WolfPack head coach John Antulov. “You could see how much yesterday’s 1-0 win helped them. We had a little bit of a lapse in the first half but we got our second wind in the second half. Our defending was fantastic. When we get guys like Oriol (Torres, 4^th year, forward, Barcelona, Spain) scoring a couple of goals it’s great. Hopefully we can continue it going forward.”

Cole Hooper celebrates (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack opened the scoring in the 18 th minute. It was Torres—a 2013 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association All-Canadian taking a penalty kick inside the 18 yard box.   Timberwolves keeper Ty Venhola (3^rd year, Abbotsford, BC) got a hand on it.  WolfPack rookie Cole Hooper (midfielder, Kamloops, BC) was there to finish the rebound for his first Canada West goal.

Oriol Torres vs UNBC last year (Jesse Olynyk photo)

Torres scored two goals himself in the second half. The first came in the 51 st minute.  Logan Zimmerman (1^st year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) did all the work hustling down the left side of the pitch. He got to the goal line and crossed it overtop of Venhola.  Torres was left alone in the centre of the goal to tap it home for his first of the campaign.

Oriol Torres in this match (Andrew Snucins photo)

16 minutes later (67), Torres got a break away just outside the 18 yard box and took off towards the UNBC net. He went left side for his second of the contest and of the year.

Logan Zimmerman (Andrew Snucins photo)

Torres was named the “TRU Bookstore/McDonald’s  “Leader of the Pack” Player of the Match.”   Antulov praised him along with midfielder Satinder Dhaliwal (2^nd year, Surrey, BC) and Zimmerman for their play.

Satinder Dhaliwal (Andrew Snucins photo)

“Those three guys stood out. Satinder was fantastic again. He is so consistent. Everyone this weekend played fantastic but we had four or five guys who were strong. Colton Walker (2^nd year, midfield, Sicamous, BC),  Austin Schneebeli (2^nd year, defender, Sicamous, BC). To get results in this league, we need everyone on top of their game.”

Austin Schneebeli (Andrew Snucins photo)

Travis Froehlich (4^th year, keeper, Revelstoke, BC) notched his second straight shutout and third of the season.

Travis Froehlich (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack will close their inaugural Canada West season out next weekend (Oct 18-19) with a home and home series with the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat. The first match is Saturday (Oct18), 2 pm at Hillside Stadium.

“ UBCO has played great this year,”says Antulov. “ It is nice to have the confidence of two straight wins going in. They will be well coached. They have a lot of good players.  It is that Kelowna-Kamloops rivalry and it won’t take much to get the guys motivated. We have to play like we did this weekend: strong at the back and get a couple of goals.”

Jacob Kaay (Andrew Snucins photo)

CORNER KICKS: The WolfPack played without Stefan Shaw (3^rd year, defender, Duncan, BC) and Jacob Kaay (5th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC).  Both were sitting out one game suspensions for accumulated yellow cards.

Stefan Shaw (Allen Douglas photo)

Kaay will be honored next Saturday in his final university match.

Two U-7 boys teams from the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association: the Purple Dark Knights and the Snipers accompanied the starters onto the field and played at half time. It was part of the Gyldi’s Pizza/WolfPack/KYSA Soccer experience.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer team is into the win column for the first time ever in Canada West regular season play.

Kindra Maricle heads in this match (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack exploded for six goals-four in the second half as they downed the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves 6-3 before a very happy crowd at Hillside Stadium on Saturday (Oct 11).
The win moves the WolfPack to one and nine while UNBC finishes the season with one win, nine losses and two draws.

WolfPack head coach Tom McManus (Andrew Snucins photo)

“ I was happy the way the girls knocked the ball around,” said WolfPack head coach Tom McManus. “ To be honest, we had been doing it all year but until today we had been snake bit and couldn’t finish. “

Marlie Rittinger and Emily Oliver (Andrew Snucins photo)

For the second straight match, TRU got the opening goal. This time it was four minutes in when Marlie Rittinger (3rd year, defender, Ashcroft, BC) got a penalty kick and beat UNBC keeper Jordan Hall (4th year, Prince George, BC) lower left corner.

Katie Sparrow (Andrew Snucins photo)

The ‘Pack went up by two 30 minutes in. Katie Sparrow (4th year, forward, Kamloops, BC) was knocked down in front of the UNBC cage. She was able to put her foot on the ball off a rebound and scored her first of the season.

Emily Edmundson (CCAA photo)

Five minutes later, the WolfPack scored an own goal The ball deflected of their defender and past keeper Emily Edmundson (5th year, Kamloops, BC). Sydney Wilson (4th year, forward, Prince George, BC) got credit for it as the Timberwolves cut the deficit to one.

UNBC tied the match in the 60 th minute. Sydney Roy (3rd year, forward, Burnaby,BC)—who was a force all game for the Timberwolves beat Edmundson on the right side to even it at 2.

Sara Fertile (Andrew Snucins photo)

But two minutes later, it was Sara Fertile (1st year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) cashing in off a scramble in front for her first goal of the season for TRU to make it 3-2. Fertile had just come into the match before her goal.

Bronwyn Crawford and Marlie Rittinger (Andrew Snucins photo)

In the 64 th minute: Rittinger crossed the ball to Bronwyn Crawford (5th year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) for TRU’s fourth goal.

Kindra Maricle (Andrew Snucins photo)

But the Timberwolves didn’t roll over. It was Roy again in the 69 th minute. She fought off WolfPack defender Kindra Maricle (2nd year, Kamloops, BC) and surprised Edmundson as she went right to left into the net.

Bronwyn Crawford faces two UNBC defenders (Andrew Snucins photo)

TRU regained their two goal advantage when Crawford scored her second of the game in the 83 rd minute. She was named the “TRU Bookstore/McDonalds Leader of the Pack” player of the match.

Katie Sparrow looks at ball (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack closed out the scoring extra time (91 st minute). Sparrow got a breakaway and pulled Hall out of the net. The UNBC keeper made the initial save but the ball came back to the TRU forward who cashed in on the rebound. That made the score 6-3.

McManus was happy that the goal scorers were rewarded after their hard work earlier in the season and in this match. “ Bronwyn Crawford has been strong all year. She deserved her goals. Marlie (Rittinger) has done a great job. Katie Sparrow as well.”

Jodi Hutton (Andrew Snucins photo)

The season is over for UNBC but the WolfPack have two more matches to play: next weekend (Oct 18-19) against the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat. Game one is Saturday at noon at Hillside Stadium.

Bronwyn Crawford and Emily Edmundson

The ‘Pack’s two fifth year players—Edmundson and Crawford will be honored.

CORNER KICKS: The teams were accompanied onto the field by two Kamloops Youth Soccer Association U-11 squads: the Blizzard and the Lemonators. They were part of the TRU WolfPack/Gyldi’s Pizza/KYSA Soccer experience.

Kelsey Martin (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack suffered another serious injury in the second half when Kelsey Martin (3rd year, midfield, Kamloops, BC) collided with the UNBC keeper. She was taken from the field and later to hospital with an upper body injury. She is done for the year.

Members of the WolfPack women’s volleyball team took time out of their Thanksgiving to help prepare the meal for those at the New Life Mission. Here are some photos courtesy of head coach Chad Grimm:

By WolfPack Communication Specialist Katie Woo

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball team is prepared for their last scheduled tournament of fall exhibition hosted by Okanagan College at Elks Stadium.

Team Captain Luc Simpson (Andrew Snucins photo)

Team Captain, Luc Simpson (Maple Ridge, BC) speaks positively about the opportunity to continue ‘fall ball’ competition.

“We have some really good team chemistry going right now. I think for this last weekend we all are just enjoying and having fun being outside and playing ball while we still can.”

sliding into second base (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack plan to get all they can out of the weekend, beginning with a busy 3 game Saturday (October 18).

The first game of the day is against St. Francis Xavier Baseball Academy at 2pm, then at 5:30pm the ‘Pack will take on Edmonton Prospects. For their last game of the day, the WolfPack will take on the home team, the Okanagan College Coyotes at 7pm.

Games will continue on Sunday (October 19) at 2pm, against Okanagan Athletics’ and then OC again at 4:30pm.

Josh Hollis (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack baseball team have a notoriously challenging offseason training plan, with countless early mornings. However, as long as fair weather continues the ‘Pack can play and practice outside. This makes another weekend of games even more exciting for the team.

“Most of us know the grind we go through once we head indoors. So for these last couple weeks outside I am hoping us as a team will enjoy it but still take care of business,” says Simpson.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s basketball team will put a capper on their 2014 Canada West exhibition season as they travel to Edmonton for a tournament.

WolfPack head coach Scott Reeves (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack will play three games in three nights at the University of Alberta.  They open things up for Scott Reeves and company on Friday when they take on the Concordia Stingers of the RESQ. They follow that up with games Saturday (Oct 18) versus the Brock University Badgers (OUA) before finishing the tournament on Sunday (Oct 19) when they take on the host University of Alberta Pandas.

Michelle Bos (Andrew Snucins photo)

“It will be nice to build on what we learned from the Queen’s weekend,” said Reeves referring to his team’s last exhibition tournament where they won once and lost twice.  “  We are playing three quality opponents and look forward to competing this weekend.”

Kassie Colonna (Allen Douglas photo)

When he looks at his teams evolution since the beginning of training camp in September, the coach says they are continuing to build on their offensive and defensive systems and will be looking forward to getting some game action after taking the Thanksgiving weekend off.

Emma Piggin (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack kick off their 2014-15 Canada West regular season on November 7 th against the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves.  Tip off is 6 pm at the Tournament Capital Centre.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack will continue their exhibition men’s basketball campaign with back to back to back games in the Lower Mainland this weekend.  The WolfPack will play two games at UBC on Friday and Saturday (Oct 17-18).

These will be the first exhibition games in over a week for TRU as they prepare for the 2014-15 Canada West regular season.

WolfPack head coach Scott Clark (Andrew Snucins photo)

Head coach Scott Clark says the intent is to build upon their performance in a 118-64 victory over the Columbia Bible College Bearcats last Thursday (Oct 9).

Gerard Gore vs CBC (Allen Douglas photo)

“You hope to build,” he says.” It is not a finished product now. And you don’t want it to be.  You are still building in a number of different areas. Your execution you are trying to build. Your chemistry you are trying to build. Your player rotations too. You are still trying to get more fit and stronger. Just the little fine tuning things. Over the next three weekends you hope to do that. By the time the season opens (Nov 7) you are playing pretty good basketball. Not your best basketball but good.”

Luke Morris vs Columbia Bible College (Allen Douglas photo)

The WolfPack will take on the University of Windsor Lancers on Friday with the University of Western Ontario Mustangs providing the opposition on Saturday.

Josh Wolfram (Allen Douglas photo)

Clark admits that he purposely spaced their exhibition games and tournaments apart in his development model. “ When you are building a schedule that is what you are trying to do. You want to put your team in all kinds of different situations so when the regular season comes along, there are no surprises. You are able to deal with each situation. It might not be the best but it has been dealt with and you have a plan. The players become more comfortable with that plan.  We are a long ways away from that point right now. You are trying to get better with dealing with scouting reports and tape. Just your mental preparation for games as well.  “

Josh Mayorga vs Columbia Bible College earlier this year (Allen Douglas photo)

After these games, the WolfPack will go to Kelowna for exhibition games the following weekend against Laurentian University and Trinity Western.  They will close out their preseason in Spokane, Washington against the Gonzaga University Bulldogs (NCAA Div I) on November 1 st.

WolfPack rookie Joe Davis (Allen Douglas photo)

TRU will kick off their 2014-15 Canada West season on November 7 th against the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves.  Tip-off is 8 pm at the Tournament Capital Centre.

After some encouraging play in the opening weekend of the Canada West regular season, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s volleyball team heads to Southern Alberta to face the University of Calgary Dinos for a pair of matches this weekend (Oct 17-18).

The WolfPack took this week’s CIS #1 team—the Trinity Western University Spartans to five sets last week. The 0-2 ‘Pack will face a 2-0 Dinos squad who are ranked sixth in this week’s National rankings.

WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm (Andrew Snucins photo)

“I thought we had some ups and downs as far as stability throughout the matches,” said WolfPack head coach Chad Grimm about the opening weekend. “ Our challenge is going to be sustaining our level of play and making sure that our bottom level increases and remains more consistent.  When we play well I believe we can compete with anybody.”

Brianne Rauch (Andrew Snucins photo)

The coach did see some encouraging signs of character from his squad: “I think we showed some grit to come back on Saturday night after losing big in the fourth and being down big in the fifth to push the score to 13-13 took a lot of character from the girls.”
The Dinos took Manitoba in five sets during opening weekend. The ‘Pack are not taking them lightly.

Krista Hogewoning (Andrew Snucins photo)

As they prepare for Calgary, the WolfPack had two objectives in practice: maintaining their level of focus and coordination between their block and defense.

Tyneille Neufeld (Andrew Snucins photo)

Twice during their opening series with Trinity, TRU played with the lead and then lost it.  Grimm explains how that plays with the psyche of a team which is learning to find its identity. “I think that this group has a lot of new players and everyone has had the feeling of winning at different levels throughout their playing career,” the coach says.”  This group just needs to focus on every point and not get ahead of ourselves regarding outcome and we will be fine.”

Iulia Pakhomenko (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack have one player in the Canada West individual stats leaders. Iliia Pakhomenko (3^rd year, outside hitter, Donetsk, Ukraine) is fourth in kills per set (3.12).

Katarina Legutky (Andrew Snucins photo)

The Dinos top statistical players are Amber Brown and Janna Ogle.   Brown is second in the Canada West in digs (36) and third in digs per set (3.06).   Ogle is third in kills (31) and fourth in kills per set (3.10).

Substitutes during a recent exhibition match

After the matches: Thompson Rivers returns home to prepare for their home opener—Friday October 24 th at the Tournament Capital Centre against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds.  Game time is 6 pm.

The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack will search for their first victories of the young Canada West men’s volleyball season this weekend in Calgary.

The WolfPack (0-2) will meet up with the host University of Calgary Dinos (1-1) at the Jack Simpson Gym on Friday and Saturday (Oct 17-18).

WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly (Andrew Snucins photo)

Thompson Rivers is coming off being swept last weekend by the Trinity Western University Spartans. “ We struggled a bit staying consistent ,”said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly about those matches. “We have had to play with a few different line ups due to injuries to Casey Knight (5^th year, outside hitter, Salt Spring Island, BC) and Matt Krueger (5^th year, libero, Abbotsford, BC).”

Casey Knight (far left) and Matt Krueger (far right) (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack will have to do that again this weekend.  CIS Player of the Year Brad Gunter (4^th year, outside hitter, Courtenay, BC) suffered a dislocated finger last Saturday (Oct 11).  He will be out of action this weekend.

Brad Gunter (Andrew Snucins photo)

Gunter is second in the Canada West in kills per set (4.71) and third in kills overall (33).

“In a way it will be good to see other players step up and take some more swings for our offense,” Hennelly states.  “We had a solid performance from Randy Grundmann (2^nd year, outside hitter, Winnipeg, MB) last weekend.” Grundman has moved into fifth place in the Canada West in hitting percentage (.316).

Randy Grundmann vs Windsor (Allen Douglas photo)

The two teams have met twice before this season. Both were five set matches at a tournament at Mount Royal University last month.  Calgary won both times.  “ In the final of the tourney we played with a similar line up –without Casey or Brad.  We will have to do that again this weekend.”

Hennelly has a lot of respect for the Dinos. “Calgary is well coached and plays very good defensively. I expect it to be a tough weekend on the road.”

Gunter and Daniel Eikeland Rod salute the crowd (Andrew Snucins photo)

The WolfPack worked on blocking and defensive play heading into the weekend.  “We are still searching for a line up which provides consistency.’

Thompson Rivers will have its home opener on Friday October 24 th at the Tournament Capital Centre when they entertain the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. Game time is 7:45 pm. The home opener will feature the Kamloops Raiden Taiko Drummers in attendance.

Graham Stoliker setting Jake Tricarico last year (Andrew Snucins photo)

SIDE OUTS:  WolfPack setter Graham Stoliker (4^th year, Surrey, BC) stands fourth in the Canada West this week in assists (9.29 per set).