WINNIPEG – The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's soccer team scored two minutes into the match and never looked back, as they defeated the Manitoba Bisons 3-0 on Friday, Oct. 19, at West Turf Fields.
 
Taneil Gay, Haley Mercier and Cassidy Hayward picked up the goals for the Huskies, with Maya Gabruch and Kalli Cowles chipping in assists.
 
Huskies goalkeeper Jadyn Steinhauer registered a three-save clean sheet in the victory for the road side.
 
Saskatchewan's victory clinches a playoff appearance for the club, as it moves them to 3-6-4 on the season. Meanwhile, the Manitoba loss snaps a four-game win streak which drops their record to 6-5-2.
 
In a first half marred by light hail, then ten minutes of sleet, the Huskies persevered to get on the board early. Intercepting a back pass that defender Shaylyn Dyck intended for Wilford, Gay found herself with open field, tapping in her second goal of the season.
 
"I just anticipated the ball coming back. I took a chance, it ended up working out," said Gay. "That definitely set the tone, set the pace for the rest of the game."
 
Saskatchewan dominated a lot of possession in the first half, and nearly found the net again in the 19^th minute, as a header in the box was wiped away neatly by Bisons defender Hadyn Burdeny.
 
The Huskies added to their lead in the 43^rd minute, with the rain pouring down, Mercier scored the first goal of her U SPORTS career, giving Saskatchewan a 2-0 halftime lead.
 
They would build on it shortly after the break, as Hayward continued her sensational rookie season, scoring her third of the season in the 49^th minute.
 
Fighting a 3-0 lead, the Bisons were valiant for the rest of the match, earning a lot more possession time and threatening on a few trips to the box. In the end, they were unable to get on the board.
 
The Huskies will stay in Winnipeg to take on the Wesmen on Oct. 20, as they look to close their regular season with back-to-back victories. Meanwhile, the Bisons will take the pitch against the Regina Cougars for their second match in as many nights at 6 p.m.