On October 14, 2011, after a recent two-day rain event, the skies mysteriously cleared in time for pregame warmups at Duquesne University’s Arthur J. Rooney Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Duquesne University Dukes Women’s Soccer team was taken on Atlantic 10 Conference foe, the St. Louis University Billikins.
As Duquesne goalkeepers, Ashley Szalwinski and Devon Tabata deflected warm-up kick drills from assistant coach Rhonda Gottschalk, a rainbow was visible in the east. From my vantage point, the left side of the rainbow “ended” just above the goal the duo was defending. I wondered aloud whether it was a sign. Would Duquesne earn a win?
Recap
The Duquesne Dukes struggled in the first 11 games of the 2011 season. Entering last night’s game, Duquesne’s record was 2-9-1 (overall), 1-2-0 in conference. The Dukes have been playing much better than their record reflects, despite only managing to secure two wins thus far.
Forward Gia Marino (No.2) was extremely active, despite not scoring and No. 6, Kristin Vinicky, showed great athleticism throughout the contest. Both players persistently pursued the ball in spite of the strong winds and chilly temperature.
First half. In front of 193 spectators, Duquesne completely dominated the game’s first 20 minutes. For nearly every minute of play, the Duquesne University Dukes attacked relentlessly. Duquesne senior defender, Laura Tlumack, scored an unassisted goal off a free kick from the 40-yard line. Her amazing kick against the wind came 11:48 into the first half. Duquesne University 1, SLU 0.
Second half. After the intermission, St. Louis gained a little traction and proved to be a worthy he opponent. The Billikins increased their offensive attack and defended much better than in the first half.
Duquesne was first to score. Katie Rust, No. 20, scored from the right side — beating the goalie from around 15-yards out with an assist from midfielder, No.4, Brooke Nettuno at the 50:49 mark. Dukes 2, Billikins 0.
The Billikins continued to press the Duquesne defense and finally scored. With just less than eight minutes left, Billikins’ freshman F Abbey Stock scored an unassisted goal. Dukes 2, Billikins 1.
Final Points
St. Louis wouldn’t score again, despite several attempts. Duquesne improved their record to 3-9-1, 2-2-0 and finished the game with poise and skill. The Duquesne University Dukes handed St. Louis University its first Atlantic 10 conference loss, 2-1. The next Duquesne Women’s Soccer game is at home on Sunday, Oct 16, against Carolina at Rooney Field. Game time is 1:00 EDT.
Giovanni Badalamenti began following Duquesne University Sports after moving to Pittsburgh in 2011.
Read more from this contributor:
Slideshow: “Women’s Collegiate Soccer: St. Louis at Duquesne”
“Autumn in Pittsburgh”
“Death of a Squash Bug (A Haiku Poem)”
“Is USF stiff-arming UCFs dream of moving to the Big East Conference”
Sources:
Photos used by permission from photographer Mark Szalwinski.
Personal attendance
Official Box Scores provided by Ryan Gavatorta, Assistant Dir. of Media Realtions, Duquense University.
Atlantic 10 Conference, “Women’s Soccer”
Duquense University, “Women’s Soccer Hands Saint Louis First Conference Loss, 2-1″