This was the year of firsts for the UBC Thunderbirds Lacrosse Sport Club. For the first time, the T-birds competed against a full roster of alumni in their annual alumni game. For the first time, the T-birds beat the New Westminster Warlocks and the Coquitlam Adanacs in CWFLL play. For the first time, the T-birds travelled south of the border to take on American competition, posting a perfect 5-0 record. With all the firsts in the 2017-18, the thunderbirds grew as a team and as a program.
The fall semester began as the team opened their season against the Simon Fraser University Clan. Unfortunately, the ‘Birds dropped the first game of their season, but quickly changed their focus to the Rhino Lacrosse Fall College Shootout in Bend, Oregon. In early October, for the first time in program history, the team ventured south of the border to compete against American competition. Weathering the elements and with a shortened bench, the Thunderbirds went 4-0 and were victorious against division II MCLA teams: Montana State University, Central Washington University, and Portland University; as well as, division I Oregon State University – a consistent contender in division I of the MCLA. The following weekend the Thunderbirds travelled to Western Washington University to close out the American portion of the schedule. In a spirited tilt, the Thunderbirds were once again victorious by a score of 7-3. The American portion of the schedule was new and exciting for the team – it not only showed that the Thunderbirds could compete against strong American collegiate programs but come out on top.
To close out the fall semester, the T-birds had 2 CWFLL games and an exhibition against SFU remaining. First up was the Coquitlam Adanacs, a team the Thunderbirds had yet to defeat in program history. The ‘Birds came out flying, and through hard work and determination they got their first ever win over the Adanacs by a score of 10-7. To close out the fall semester and continue their momentum, the T-birds defeated the Vancouver Barbarians by a score of 13-1.
In the new year, the Thunderbirds continued their CWFLL regular season play with games against Abbotsford Attack, Beerhunters, New Westminster Warlocks, and the Vancouver Barbarians – picking up wins against Abbotsford, Vancouver, and New Westminster. The win against New Westminster was historic as it was also the first win against them in program history. At the end of the CWFLL regular season, the ‘Birds posted a record of 5-2-1, which was good enough for third place heading into the Provincial tournament.
The year end tournament started with the Thunderbirds playing against Coquitlam and New Westminster on day 1, followed by Nanoose Bay and Abbostford on day 2. The team finished the Round Robin with a record of 1-2-1, good enough for a spot in the tier II semi-final against the Whalley Ballers. Unfortunately, the Thunderbirds came up short and were defeated, thus ending the 2017-18 season.
The 2017-18 season was one to remember for the Thunderbirds, filled with many triumphs and excitement. Thank you to the Thunderbird Sport Clubs staff for everything that you have done for our team this year. Also, a big shout-out to our coaches Kyle Robinson and Mitchell Kitt – without you two, our program would not be what it is today.
