The UFV Cascades made an early statement, proving why they're a team to watch in Canada West, topping the UNBC Timberwolves 96-54 to open the season on Friday, November 3^rd, in Prince George, BC.
 
It didn't take long for the Cascades to hop out to an early lead, as Canada West All-Star Maddy Gobeil scored five early points and the visitors from UFV seized an 8-0 lead. UNBC veteran Rebecca Landry would settle her team down with a pair of tough buckets, but the UFV size advantage was apparent early on, earning second chance opportunities off offensive rebounds from Julia Tuchscherer and Natalie Rathler.
 
Esther Ellison would sub into the game for the Cascades, scoring five quick points, and UFV held a 30-11 lead after ten minutes.
 
At halftime, UFV held a 53-25 lead, led by Gobeil's 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Manak led UNBC with six points.
 
In the third quarter, it was Deanna Tuchscherer's turn to take the lead for UFV, making a trio of jumpers to extend the visitors' lead at the Northern Sport Centre. But the young Timberwolves showed their mettle, going on a 8-0 run led by Manak and freshman Viktoriia Filatova to chip away at the deficit. With one quarter to play, the Cascades held to a comfortable 68-37 lead on Canada West opening night.
 
UFV would continue to apply pressure in the fourth quarter, with a scoring by committee approach. Eventually the buzzer would sound with the Cascades earning a 96-54 victory on opening night.

"It feels really great, especially after all the work we put in for preseason," noted Cascades guard Bernie Leda. "Our coach wants every person on the bench to be ready to bring that second wave of energy and make the other team feel like they're being hit by waves of energy and hustle."

"The goal now is to scrap tonight. We come in tomorrow, zero-zero, don't relax, and be ready still."
 
Deanna Tuchscherer would lead all scorers with 18 points, to go along with five rebounds, while Gobeil would add 14 points, seven assists, six steals, and five boards. Natalie Rathler, Google Sidhu, and Esther Allison would all score in double digits for the Cascades.
 
First-year Viktoriia Filatova would pace UNBC with 14 points, while Manak would chip in with 11 points.
 
The two teams will battle again on Saturday night in Prince George.