The Plattsburgh State Women’s Soccer team couldn’t have asked for a better season opener.
Not only was it the first time since 2012 that the Cardinals kicked off their season on their home turf, but they did it in style with a 10-0 victory over Medaille College.
“It gave us an opportunity for everyone to get in the game, show off a little bit and show what we’re made of,” sophomore goalkeeper Nichole Gibson said. “We have talent not only starting on the field, but on the bench as well.”
The 10 goals were scored by nine different players, led by returning graduate midfielder Cammey Keyser, who netted two goals and had an assist as well.
The offense was seemingly nonstop for all 90 minutes, as PSUC ended the first half with a commanding 6-0 lead before scoring four more in the second half.
“Getting that first win out of the way is always the best,” Keyser said. “Being back on the team and being able to do it with those girls is even better.”
Head coach Tania Armellino, who is now in her third season for the Cards, feels confident and has high hopes for this year’s team.
“In every season, my predominant goal is to always do better than the year before,” Armellino said. “For us, I also look forward to the growth of the players.”
The program is welcoming 10 incoming freshmen to the team this year, which compared to recent years is more than usual.
“It’s always a fun year when a third of your team is brand new,” Armellino said with enthusiasm. “Freshman, sophomore, junior, senior – it never matters. Anybody is always open to play, and we can all have a really good time together.”
On the field, PSUC will be led in large part due to their captains, junior midfielder Madeline Saccocio and senior midfielder Ashlie Guinness.
“Truly all of the seniors, I believe this, are all leaders because they want and are unified in their goals,” Armellino said. “On top of the seniors, Ashlie Guinness in particular, and junior Madeline Sacoccio, have been phenomenal players and lead on the field with their energy and positivity.”
On Tuesday, the Cards escaped Union College with a 2-1 victory at home thanks to a nifty 25-yard chip shot by junior forward Sarah Haight and a 104th minute goal in the second overtime by Sacoccio to improve to 2-0 in the early part of the season.
“We played Union last year and we came out really strong but we didn’t come out with a win. We came out with a tie,” Guinness said, who recorded an assist in the win. “I feel very great about this season. We have such great potential from the freshmen to the seniors.”
The Cards will face off against five more nonconference opponents before taking the field against Potsdam Sept. 24 at home.
PSUC will take the field today in a match against The Sage Colleges at 4p.m. in Albany, looking to improve to 3-0 on the season.
Email Ezra Kachaturian at sports@cardinalpointsonline.com
