The Red Devils kicked off the 2023 season on Wednesday, August 16 vs the Thompson River University Wolf pack out of Kamloops, BC, Canada.
With the temps hitting triple digits the game time was pushed back to a 6:30 pm start. The late start must have given the Wolf Pack players the extra rest they needed because the TRU offense came out shooting with forward Emily Clark hitting pay dirt at the 4 min and 18 min mark to give the Wolf Pack a 2-0 lead on the Devils.
Red Devils forward
Nataija Blaylock hit back in the 35 min driving the ball down the field and scorching a shoot past the Canadians goal keeper to make it 2-1 TRU. Unfortunately, the celebration did last long as Clark once again got past the Devils defense just before the end of the half to give Thompson River a 3-1 lead as the whistle blew.
The second half was much more even as the Devils adjusted and actually out shot the Wolf Pack in the second half. The teams traded scoring with Thompson River going up 4-1 with a shot from forward Lillie Pearson from outside the box.
Blaylock found herself in the right place at the right time to get a bounce back shot to go in at the 75 mark. The Canadians responded with a goal in the 63rd min to make it 5-2 TRU.
LCC freshman forward
Rhyli Grim got her first collegiate goal on a great pass from fellow freshman
Kayla Welker to get the Devils within 2. But, that would be it for Lower Columbia as there just wasn't enough time left on the clock.
Final score: Thompson River 5 Lower Columbia 3
The Red Devils continue their tough non-league match ups with three games in two day up in Bellingham, WA.
Friday, August 18 vs University of British Columbia - 5:00 pm kick
Saturday, August 19 the Devils will play two starting at 3:00 pm vs Douglas College and then at 5:00 pm vs Whatcom Community College.
All matches will be played at Whatcom Community College.
