WATERLOO, Ont - The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women's soccer team opened their 2022 season with two exciting Battle of Waterloo matches this weekend coming away with two convincing wins, 2-0 and 4-1. 

In the first of the two-game set, Laurier took a very early lead when Kitchener native Sasha Marikano found the back of the net in the second minute of the game. Laurier was able to maintain the lead and tack on another goal by Lexi Kroeker in the 90th minute to secure the victory. Along with great offence, the Golden Hawks goalkeeper Tara Isama turned away all 13 shots she faced, securing the clean sheet and her first win as a Golden Hawk. 

Picking up right where they left off, Laurier had another very strong showing Sunday afternoon against the Warriors. Laurier opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Marikano buried the ball yet again. Then just 10 minutes later Hope Windebank extended Laurier's lead to 2-0. 

Waterloo was quick to respond with a goal of their own by Alexa Cimermancic, cutting the lead in half. That was as close as Waterloo would get after Laurier found the back of the net twice more with goals from Marikano, for her third of the season and Gabriella Machado who scored a deep free kick in the second half.

While the offence was rolling, goaltending has been a key to the Golden Hawks' success, allowing just one goal on 18 shots on goal in the first two games of the season. 

When asked about the team's success, the third-year Hamilton native, Claire Di Benedetto said, "We had a very strong performance, started slowly as they led in possession, but we ultimately finished our chances and kept control of the game with a strong defensive presence. The new additions on our team led a very impactful offence, as we pushed hard in the final third. We dominated with our tackles and used our physicality to our advantage". 
 

TOP PERFORMERS

Laurier Golden Hawks
#30 F - Sasha Marikano 
Marikano had a great opening weekend, netting three goals and being an absolute threat on offence for the Golden Hawks.

Waterloo Warriors
#7 ST - Alexa Cimermancic
Cimermancic was the lone Warrior to find the back of the net during their two games against the Golden Hawks.


UP NEXT
With their first 2-0 start to a season since 2015, the Golden Hawks will aim to extend their winning streak to three games as they host the Western Mustangs at home this Friday September 9. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM at University Stadium in Waterloo.