A pair of Jenna Di Nunzio first-half goals put the Trinity Western Spartans through to the Canada West final four championships for the ninth consecutive season.
Di Nunzio’s goals gave the Spartans women’s soccer team a 2-0 victory over the Manitoba Bisons on Friday at TWU’s Rogers Field in Canada West quarter-final action.
“Anytime you play a game where your season is on the line, it’s pleasing to win,” said coach Graham Roxburgh.
The Spartans struck early.
Alicia Tesan broke down the right side and sent a pass which found Di Nunzio, who buried the shot past Bisons goalie Chloe Werle in the third minute.
But instead of energizing the team, Roxburgh thought the goal may have lulled his team to sleep.
The Bisons clogged up the middle of the park and didn’t allow the Spartans much in terms of quality chances.
“But credit to Manitoba; they defended well and never gave up,” he said.
Late in the first half, Trinity Western broke through for their second goal.
Natalie Boyd slipped a nifty ball through the legs of a Manitoba defender to a streaking Krista Gommeringer.
The Spartans striker cut in all alone on the keeper, who rushed out to challenge, but Gommeringer deftly slipped the ball to her left to Di Nunzio. The initial shot was blocked by a defender but the rebound came right back to her and she buried her second chance.
The second half saw neither team generate much. The Bisons did get one shot on goal, but it was from a distance, and was easily turned aside by Kristen Funk.
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As the top team during the regular season, thanks to a 11-1-0 record, the Spartans will host the Canada West final four championships on Nov. 2 and 3 at Rogers Field.
Trinity Western plays fourth-place Regina (8-3-1) at 4:30 p.m. while Victoria (9-2-1)battles UBC (8-2-2) at 7 p.m.
The top team, plus the Vikes, advance to the CIS national championships in Victoria.
