Team Manitoba's hopes of playing for a medal at the 2019 National Women's U18 Championship is hanging by a skate lace.

The host province dropped a 5-1 decision to British Columbia Wednesday night at the Access Event Centre in Morden.

"I really don't think the score shows up how we played," said Manitoba head coach Rob Voth who saw his team fall to 0-2. "We really got better and better and we had a lot more chances today. I really liked our effort."

Team Manitoba jumped out an early 1-0 lead when Oakbank's Kylie Lesuk scored 85 seconds into the first period.

Manitoba held on to that lead until Sarah Paul and Anne Cherkowski beat goaltender Meagan Relf 19 seconds apart 12 minutes into the middle frame to put British Columbia ahead to stay.

"Two small breakdowns," said coach Voth. "We talk about knowing where you are on the ice and where your opponent is. We just kind of got watching the puck. They snuck in on the backside and it was hard for our goaltender to kick across."

British Columbia put the game away with three third period goals.

B.C. outshot the host team 51-15.

Team Manitoba will play it's final preliminary round game tonight (7 p.m.) in Morden against Quebec.

Our province needs Ontario Blue to beat B.C. this afternoon and then Manitoba has to defeat Quebec tonight in order for all three teams to finish with a 1-2 record. 

A tie-breaker would then be needed to determine who fiinishes in second place in Group A and advances to the semifinals.

That tie-breaker would be goal-differential in games played between the three teams.

British Columbia has played both provinces and has six goals for and seven goals against.

Quebec is seven goals for and one against while Manitoba is one goal for and five against heading into tonights final preliminary round game. 

"I think we're a little bummed out about our record right now but I think we just need to keep our heads up and play the way we can," said Lesuk. "Whatever happens, happens. We're here for a reason and we're all doing good."