A hat trick by Strongsville, Ohio native Megan Waskowski highlighted The University of Akron (1-1) women’s soccer team’s 4-1 win over the University of North Dakota (0-2) on Sunday in their final match in the Boilermaker Cup.
The Zips offense took a lead late in the first half, as Waskowski netted her first of three goals in the 42nd minute. Junior Karina Atkinson was credited with an assist on the goal, her first of the season and sixth in her collegiate career.
The second half would prove fruitful for Akron with three goals being scored by the offense in the half. Madison Kazer led off the scoring attack with a 62nd minute goal from a double assist by seniors Amber Kern and Kelly DeNiro to put the Zips up 2-0 over North Dakota. DeNiro’s assist puts her atop the record books for Akron women’s soccer with 12 career assists.
Following Kazer’s goal, Waskowski began to register two goals in the 81st minute. Her first goal came on a thru pass from freshman Sarah Sivic to put Akron up by three goals. About 30 seconds later, the pair connected for yet another goal from 18 yards out. Sivic’s two assist were the first of her collegiate career.
Waskowski is the first Akron women’s soccer player to register three goals in a match since Leigh Cullen knocked in three goals against Canisius in the 2010 season. She now has a total of seven goals in her collegiate career.
“Proud of the resilience our team showed over the weekend, and today’s success was truly a complete team effort from the staff to the players,” head coach Vernon Croft said following the win. “We’re looking forward to getting back to Akron, and building from here. There’s a lot ahead for this group of young women.”
“Excited for our first hat trick in a long time by Megan [Waskowski], and massive congrats to Kelly [DeNiro] on becoming school record holder for career assists. We look forward to many more from both of them,” Croft said.
UND was able to push one goal past Akron goalie Alex Luevano-Harden in the 86th minute to bring the game to its final score of 4-1.
Sophomore goalkeeper Klaire Adee earned the win in Sunday’s contest to improve her record to 1-1 on the season. Adee worked 66 minutes in goal and recorded one save.
Overall Akron had a spectacular day on the pitch. UA finished with 23 total shots and 10 shots on goal, compared to the UND offense’s eight total shots and four shots on goal.
Sophomore defender Katie George and Waskowski were named to the all-tournament team for the Boilermaker Cup. More Zips could be added to the all-tournament team depending on the final game of the Cup tonight between Xavier and Purdue.
The Zips will travel to Morehead State on Friday for their next match in the 2013 season. Akron defeated Morehead in the 2012 season by a score of 3-2 at home in FirstEnergy Stadium – Cub Cadet Field.
