TicketsHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. -- After an emotional offseason, nobody could write Thursday's season-opening script any better.
Vanessa DiNardo, who this offseason changed her number to memorialize former Bearcats teammate Ally Sidloski, scored on a point-blank header in the 10th minute for Cincinnati's first goal of the season. Two minutes later, sophomore Lauren Bastian scored with a straightaway strike, and the Bearcats would ultimately defeat NKU, 2-1.
It also marked the 400th win in program history and fifth win over the last six season openers.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH NEIL STAFFORD
"I was really pleased for Vanessa tonight. That's a big goal for her wearing that No. 3 shirt, and then two minutes later, Lauren gives us the same thing. We had some momentum but just didn't take care of the ball and let the game get ugly over time. That was disappointing. I know how much emotion we are fighting through, and it's up to us coaches to manage it and get the most out of our players. For us to grind out a win here against a good team, I'm real proud of the effort."
HOW IT HAPPENED
DiNardo's goal was the second of two UC header attempts. Kendall Battle's initial try, off a corner kick from Karli Royer, was saved. Royer was again the source for Bastian's time to shine, as her free kick was deflected by NKU before Bastian fired away from the 18-yard box.
The Norse got on the board via a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. The Bearcats were called for a penalty as a corner kick sailed to the box.
NOTABLE
-Cincinnati moved to 4-0 in the Riverboat Rivalry, with all three prior meetings coming by 1-0 margins from 2016-18. The Norse were the Horizon League champions in the spring.
-Freshmen Emma Schmelzer and Paige Miller made their collegiate debuts, playing 37 and 26 minutes, respectively. Maddie Thiss also earned a starting nod after transferring from Xavier.
-DiNardo took a match-high three shots after leading the team with 19 last season.
-Battle's assist for DiNardo was the first of her career.
-Royer and Ashley Barron, the AAC's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, played all 90 minutes.
UP NEXT
-Cincinnati (1-0) will host Toledo in Sunday's home opener at 1 p.m. Admission is free and streaming is available on ESPN Plus.
Vanessa DiNardo, who this offseason changed her number to memorialize former Bearcats teammate Ally Sidloski, scored on a point-blank header in the 10th minute for Cincinnati's first goal of the season. Two minutes later, sophomore Lauren Bastian scored with a straightaway strike, and the Bearcats would ultimately defeat NKU, 2-1.
It also marked the 400th win in program history and fifth win over the last six season openers.
QUOTES FROM HEAD COACH NEIL STAFFORD
"I was really pleased for Vanessa tonight. That's a big goal for her wearing that No. 3 shirt, and then two minutes later, Lauren gives us the same thing. We had some momentum but just didn't take care of the ball and let the game get ugly over time. That was disappointing. I know how much emotion we are fighting through, and it's up to us coaches to manage it and get the most out of our players. For us to grind out a win here against a good team, I'm real proud of the effort."
HOW IT HAPPENED
DiNardo's goal was the second of two UC header attempts. Kendall Battle's initial try, off a corner kick from Karli Royer, was saved. Royer was again the source for Bastian's time to shine, as her free kick was deflected by NKU before Bastian fired away from the 18-yard box.
The Norse got on the board via a penalty kick in the 72nd minute. The Bearcats were called for a penalty as a corner kick sailed to the box.
NOTABLE
-Cincinnati moved to 4-0 in the Riverboat Rivalry, with all three prior meetings coming by 1-0 margins from 2016-18. The Norse were the Horizon League champions in the spring.
-Freshmen Emma Schmelzer and Paige Miller made their collegiate debuts, playing 37 and 26 minutes, respectively. Maddie Thiss also earned a starting nod after transferring from Xavier.
-DiNardo took a match-high three shots after leading the team with 19 last season.
-Battle's assist for DiNardo was the first of her career.
-Royer and Ashley Barron, the AAC's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, played all 90 minutes.
UP NEXT
-Cincinnati (1-0) will host Toledo in Sunday's home opener at 1 p.m. Admission is free and streaming is available on ESPN Plus.
You. Can't. Make. This. Up.
— Cincinnati Soccer (@GoBearcatsWSOC) August 20, 2021
Run it back with Vanessa! ⏪ pic.twitter.com/fR4dWipsQ8
Take a look back on sophomore Lauren Bastian's second-career goal! pic.twitter.com/ixfe9AqttZ
— Cincinnati Soccer (@GoBearcatsWSOC) August 20, 2021