EDMONTON, Alta. — The Trinity Western Spartans struck early and held firm through a physical sixty minutes to earn a 4–2 win over the University of Alberta Pandas on Friday night at Clare Drake Arena. 

The TWU Spartans improved to 3-0 against the Pandas this season, following a pair of home wins over the defending CW Champs earlier this month. 

The Pandas, who are now 3-4-2 to start the 2025/26 season, sit four points behind TWU (6-3-0) for second place in the West Division of Canada West. 

Kate Fawcett finished with the win in goal for the Spartans with 22 saves, while Mackenzie Dojahn made 27 saves in the Alberta crease, suffering her first career loss. 

First Period

The game opened at a measured pace before Trinity Western found the icebreaker late in the first. At 18:12, Chloe Reid put the Spartans ahead, converting off a feed from Jordyn Matthews. Reid's quick release beat Alberta goaltender Mackenzie Dojahn, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead heading into intermission.

Second Period

Trinity Western doubled their advantage just over a minute into the middle frame. Kyra Anderson struck at 1:05, finishing a setup from Sadie Isfeld and Kara Yackel to make it 2–0.

The Pandas responded quickly. At 3:47, Abby Soyko pulled Alberta within one, burying a shot assisted by Jadynn Morden and Brayden Stewart. The Spartans regained their two-goal margin at 8:32 when Yackel capitalized on the power play, taking a pass from Chayce Kullman and finishing from close range to make it 3–1.

Alberta answered again later in the period on their own power play. Ryann Perrett scored at 16:02, assisted by Soyko, cutting the deficit to 3–2 after forty minutes of play.

Third Period

The Pandas pushed for the equalizer through a string of power plays, but Fawcett held firm. Alberta went 1-for-6 with the player advantage, unable to convert on a late opportunity.

The Spartans sealed the result at 15:07 of the third when Kadence Dansereau connected with Kara Yackel and Jordyn Matthews for an even-strength tally, extending the lead to 4–2.

Game 2 of the weekend set is scheduled for 5:00 PM tomorrow night in Edmonton.