This Thursday (Nov. 7), the will kick off at 鲍鱼tv for just the second time in program history. More than 170 players from eight teams will dress for what is forecasted to be a sunny weekend of fierce competition from some of the best female soccer players across the country.听
For these Tigers players, the experience will be a first.
鈥淲e haven鈥檛 been here in a long time. I hope the players can see themselves as part of this level and feel the excitement of the city and community that鈥檚 going to be here supporting them. Being part of a national championship is a unique experience,鈥� says Head Coach Cindy Tye.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a once in a lifetime opportunity for a lot of us to even be able to play in a tournament like this,鈥� says Hannah Firstbrook, a senior defender from Ottawa. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to see all the teams and people. It鈥檒l be great to see Wickwire Field filled with family, friends and fans. My mom and dad are coming down. I鈥檓 excited for the energy.鈥�
The last practice of the season featured a balance of passing drills, small field scrimmages, and strategy. The Tigers drew the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds for their first game at 5 p.m. on Thursday.
鈥淲e鈥檙e preparing for them, but we want to play our way,鈥� says Coach Tye, setting the tone heading into the weekend.
听and cheer on the Dal Tigers:
Nov. 7: Game 1 vs. UBC at 5 p.m.听
Nov. 8: Game 2 vs. Nipissing at 1:30 p.m.听
Olivia Jack, a third-year midfielder from Halifax, says she's excited to compete with teams outside the usual Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference.
鈥淲e鈥檙e seen as the underdogs coming in as the eighth seed, but we鈥檙e ready to compete. We know that we can compete. We鈥檙e here to show everyone who Dal is,鈥� says Jack.
Niah Kuehne, a rookie striker from South Surrey, B.C., shares where her mindset is heading into the weekend.
鈥淥nce I step on the field, I focus on what I know best, which is playing soccer. Doing the simple stuff is the most important. Complete the pass. Make the run. Communicate with my team.鈥�
Competition is at the heart of the weekend, along with sharing the experience with the local community.
鈥淭he weekend is a celebration of women鈥檚 sports,鈥� says Coach Tye. 鈥淲e have the championship and games, but then we鈥檙e able to include our community in events like the BMO Girls Play Dal where we鈥檒l host a coaching clinic and youth festival. We鈥檙e also hosting a referee clinic. Including everyone is an important piece for us.鈥�
.听Spots also remain for the FUNdamentals Coaching Course (for girls ages 15-18) and Youth Festival (for girls ages 6-9) as part of the event on Saturday, November 9.