‘ We have to be at our best’
UPEI begins quest for Atlantic championship today
Goals are expected to be at a premium today when the UPEI Panthers kickoff their Atlantic University Field Hockey Championship.
The Panthers play Dalhousie at 3 p. m. at UPEI. The Panthers defeated the Tigers 1- 0 and played to a 0- 0 draw with them earlier in the season.
“We have to be at our best,” said coach Sheila Bell. “The first game will be very important to kind of set the tone for the weekend.”
A win in the opener would provide the Panthers with a better draw for Sunday’s playoff games. The champ advances to the Ontario championship in Waterloo where teams can qualify for nationals. “There’s a lot at stake,” the coach said. “We’re hoping we get a great team effort. If this team plays to their potential, we should have a successful weekend.”
Bell said the weather, particularly if there are strong winds, could have an impact. “Communication is vital,” she said. “It is an
Atlantic University Field Hockey Championship
Today
Sunday
2 p. m., Saint Mary’s vs. St. F. X. 3 p. m., UPEI vs. Dalhousie 4 p. m., St. F. X. vs. UNB 5 p. m., Dalhousie vs. Acadia 6 p. m., UNB vs. Saint Mary’s 7 p. m., Acadia vs. UPEI 9 a. m., semifinal 10: 15 a. m., semifinal 11: 30 a. m., fifth- place game 12: 30 p. m., third- place game 1: 30 p. m., championship game issue if they can’t hear each other. . . it does make a difference.”
The Panthers received strong seasons from some key veterans and rookies, but its success has been built on team depth.
“We’re concentrating playing as a group,” Bell said.
UPEI lost 1- 0 to Saint Mary’s in last year’s final after a goal was called back when an official ruled the ball hit a UPEI player’s foot.