Rookies Come to Play in Season Opener

The season opener was an early start on a beautiful, later summer afternoon at UBC. Abbey Park landed yesterday and their coach shared that they had a lovely, long bike ride around False Creek and Stanley Park. It was also their first game of the year. LFA took advantage, with a suffocating press from the outset. With the press, there were plenty of turn-over opportunities for LFA. Amy Stelling '26 had a couple of glorious chances, as did Addie Hui '25 and Mattea Ngui '26. But the Abbey Park keeper was up to the task, making save after save. It eventually fell to grade 8 rookie, Eva Fitch '29, who rifled home the opening goal on a rebound and scramble play.

The second quarter had a funny cadence. Abbey Park pushed and LFA couldn't get its rhythm. We still managed to be opportunistic, especially as Emma Banting '28 used wonderful anticipation and her deadly quickness to swat home a goal on a rebound and rookie Paula Herrera-Trujillo '25 was rewarded for getting her shot on the net with her first goal at the Senior level. Still, it wasn't until the very end of the quarter that LFA found a nugget of the playing style they were after, stringing together about 10 passes that took the ball around the field and was only cut short by the end-of-time whistle.

The third quarter, LFA fully hit its stride. LFA poured on the pressure. Abbey Park defended wonderfully, but it was really all Angels. Michaela Larson '28 put us up 4-0, playing some sensational midfield hockey. She would get her second goal before the final whistle to finish off the scoring. 

The teams had a fun shootout to wrap up the day, but each group seemed just as interested in chatting and exchanging stories as it was in the shootout itself... amazing guests and a lovely afternoon! We look forward to your next tour, Abbey Park!