Mackenzie Lee steals the show in the Thunderbirds' last act of 2016

Len Catling/UBC Thunderbirds

VANCOUVER - On a blustery day in Point Grey the UBC Thunderbirds (1-3) concluded their 2016 Canada West season with a 45-34 victory over the Lethbridge Pronghorns (0-3).

UBC inside centre Mackenzie Lee scored four tries, while Nicole Ronsky had a solid game for the 'Horns.

"It's been a bit of a tough season. I think we've played some great rugby at times but it hasn't been quite consistent enough," said UBC Head Coach Dean Murten. "Today we scored some good tries and I'm really happy with the performance."

The first half was a high-scoring affair that at times resembled a track meet. UBC hit the scoreboard in only the third minute. The T-Birds controlled possession inside the Lethbridge 20-yard line then attacked from the right wing. UBC flanker Gillian Boag broke two Lethbridge tackles and hit the end zone. The conversion attempt hit the uprights. The 'Birds were out to a 5-0 lead

UBC added to their advantage four minutes later when a beautiful display of passing between their backs sprang winger Ciara Malone on a 60 yard run to the house.

Lethbridge countered in the 13th minute with a weaving run through the heart of the UBC defence by Ronsky. The conversion was good making the score 10-7.

In the 20th minute, UBC came back with a try. Sustained pressure by the 'Birds ultimately led to a scamper to pay dirt from first-year fly-half Mackenzie Carson. The lead was 17-7 'Birds.

In the 37th minute, UBC added to their lead with a determined run by Lee, who dragged two Lethbridge would-be tacklers with her to the try line.

"My amazing No. 10 Mackenzie Carson, the other Mac, sets me up for everything that's good," said Lee. "My backs support me and my forwards just make sure that I get the ball."

Lethbridge would cross the try line a twice before the halftime break to make the score 24-17 T-Birds.

The T-Birds came out determined in the second half as Mackenzie Lee scored the next two tries to open up a commanding 36-17 advantage. It provided a big enough cushion for the 'Birds who held on for the 45-34 victory.

The victory was bittersweet for Malone. The graduating fifth-year winger, who has been both a star and a stalwart for Thunderbirds women's rugby, reflected on playing her final game in 'Blue and Gold'.

"I'm thankful to have finished with a win and to have been a part of this program for five years," said Malone, fighting back tears. "I'm excited to see where this program will go. I know it's heading in the right direction with the young girls they've brought in."

The win snapped the T-Birds 11-game winless streak in Canada West. Lethbridge is still winless in 2016 and will head to Vancouver Island to play UVic on Sunday.

SCORING SUMMARY

3' -- UBC TRY - Gillian Boag (conversion failed) - 5-0 UBC
7' -- UBC TRY - Ciara Malone (conversion failed) - 10-0 UBC
13' -- Lethbridge TRY - Nicole Ronsky (conversion by Abby Neudorf) - 10-7 UBC
20' -- UBC TRY - Mackenzie Carson (conversion by Ciara Malone) - 17-7 UBC
37' -- UBC TRY - Mackenzie Lee (conversion by Ciara Malone) - 24-7 UBC
40' -- Lethbridge TRY - Rebecca Gannon (conversion failed) - 24-12 UBC
40' -- Lethbridge TRY - Frederique Tremblay (conversion failed) - 24-17 UBC
43' -- UBC TRY - Mackenzie Lee (Ciara Malone conversion) - 31-17 UBC
52' -- UBC TRY - Mackenzie Lee (Ciara Malone conversion) - 38-17 UBC
57' -- Lethbridge TRY - Hailey Driscoll (conversion by Abby Neudorf) - 38-24 UBC
73' -- Lethbridge TRY - Sydney De La Mare (conversion failed) - 38-29 UBC
80' -- UBC TRY - Mackenzie Lee (conversion by Hera Sfikas) - 45-29 UBC
80' -- Lethbridge TRY - Sevedyn Westrop (conversion failed) - 45-34 UBC

IMAGE CREDIT: Wilson Wong/UBC Thunderbirds