Askounis Scores First Career Goal in Tartans 3-0 Win

(DALLAS, Pa.) - The fifth-ranked Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team played its first game away from home on Saturday, September 11, topping 12-time NCAA Tournament participant Farmingdale State University, 3-0, at Misericordia University's Cougar Classic. Freshman Maria Askounis (Bloomfield Hills, Mich. / Marian) put in her first career goal in the 31st minute to record the game-winning goal and move the Tartans to 4-0 for the season.

"Farmingdale State is always a very good, well coached team," said head coach Yon Struble. "I thought we played well today. We lacked discipline at times but overal put on a great effort."

Sophomore Cecelia Dieterich (South Paris, Maine / Oxford)  echoed Strubles thoughts. "I think the team definitely struggled to adjust a bit in our first away game," said Dietrich. "We came out a little flat and the energy wasn't quite what it normally is at home. As the game progressed though we were able to turn it around, pick up the intensity, and catch Farmingdale on its heels."

Askounis entered the game in the 28th minute and immediately was in a position to score her first tally. The Tartans earned a corner kick in the 30th minute which junior Madeline Blakley (Strongsville, Ohio / Strongsville) put across the goal frame for Askounis to finish.

The Tartans added to the score seven minutes and 41 seconds into the second period when Dieterich scored her fifth of the season off an assist by junior Alex Adams (Pittsburgh, Pa. / North Allegheny).

"Right before my goal Alex got the ball on the outside and was able to drive to the endline drawing some defenders," said Dieterich. "I was behind a few defenders and as she crossed the ball in I was able to separate and get on the end of it. I think they thought there was going to be an offsides call and we were just ready to take advantage of it."

Three minutes later the Tartans took a 3-0 lead when senior Marissa McAfee (Cumming, Ga. / South Forsyth) scored her first of the year on an unassisted play.

Graduate student Carolyn Botz (St. Louis, Mo. / MICDS) earned her fourth win of the year after playing more than 78 minutes. Junior Olivia Brand (Elmira, N.Y. / Corning-Painted Post) was in goal for the Rams lone shot but it sailed off target. Graduate student Kelly Lemke (Topeka, Kan. / Washburn Rural) also saw time in net for the Tartans.

"The shutout and one shot on goal was a testament to our defensive effort as a team," added Struble. "I was especially happy we played everyon and the level of play never changed."

Carnegie Mellon will next face host Misericordia, who is 3-0, on Sunday, September 12 at 3:30 p.m.

"Tomorrow we plan to come out stronger and with more energy," added Dieterich. "Today was a physical game but we are ready to bounce back and make it hard for our next opponent."