Sophomore Nicole Olszewski was involved in all but one of UB's goals Tuesday afternoon as the women's soccer team claimed a 6-1 victory over the Akron Zips. The lone goal Olszewski was not involved in came late in the second half when she was already on the bench, having recorded 2 goals and 3 assists.
Head Coach Jean-A Tassy, the 2000 MAC Coach of the Year, had the Bulls (3-3, 2-0 MAC) fired up and ready to go as they dominated the Zips (2-3, 0-1 MAC) all afternoon.
The first goal of the game came just 1:47 into the first half when Olszewski played a ball through at midfield. Paula Sinclair had Akron goalkeeper Crystal Tabor one-on-one and schooled her with a brilliant shot.
"I just aimed for the far post and shot it," said Sinclair.
That goal opened the floodgates, as the Bulls posted two more before the end of the half.
Brenna McJury picked up the Bulls' second goal. Olszewski, who had an assist on the McJury goal, then picked up a goal of her own to make the score 3-1. Devon Russell chalked up an assist on the Olszewski score.
Akron's lone goal came in the first half from an unassisted tally by Naomi Cummings. The Bulls went into the half with a 3-1 lead.
UB quickly picked up the second half the way they started the first, scoring with 43:17 to play in the second. Olszewski wasted no time getting the ball to Andrea Sullivan on the endline, where she zipped it passed the Akron keeper.
Minutes later McJury displayed phenomenal foot work, getting the ball to Olszewski for her second score of the game.
Although the Bulls spent the better half of the afternoon attacking Akron, the few times the Zips did try to attack, they were shut down by goalkeeper Emily Cox.
Cox continued her brilliant play by making diving saves and tough catches all day, and recorded four saves.
The Bulls play at home again at RAC Field Fri. Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. against Miami of Ohio.
"I feel good about the rest of the season and think that this is a good team who has a chance," Olszewski said.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
