The University of the Fraser Valley women's soccer team opened the 2019 Canada West campaign with a tough 1-0 road loss to the Victoria Vikes.

In an evenly played contest – each team registered 10 shots – UVic rookie Nikki Virk's goal in the 72nd minute was the difference. 

The Cascades (0-1-0) get back after it on Saturday as they visit the UBC Thunderbirds (6:30 p.m., CanadaWest.tv).

"It's just frustrating, because I loved the fight we put into it," UFV bench boss Rob Giesbrecht said afterward. "We should have at least come out of here with a tie.

"I thought we started both halves poorly, and we showed a bit of youth at that point – we let them come at us a little bit too much. But as each half wore on, I thought we became the better team. We just need to do a better job generating chances."

Virk made an early impression with a chance in close, but her shot got gobbled up by Cascades keeper Joven Sandhu for one of her six first-half saves.

UFV's best opportunity in the first half came off the boot of captain Brittney Zacharuk, but Vikes fifth-year goalkeeper Puck Louwes leaped and deflected it out of play.

The Cascades manufactured a bushel of corners after the break – Zacharuk launched eight into the UVic box over the final 45 minutes, part of a 9-5 edge on the night. But the visitors were unable to get on the end of any of them in a meaningful way. 

Virk notched what turned out to be the game-winner, taking advantage of a UFV turnover and launching a shot from 25 yards out that carried over Sandhu, who had no chance on the play.

The Cascades' player of the game was forward Simi Lehal, who was "a beast", according to Giesbrecht, holding up the ball. UFV also got strong contributions off the bench from rookie speedster Katie Lampen and sophomore midfielder Kate Fisher.

- with files from Tyler Lowey / UVic Vikes