Kickoff the A-10 Season: Duquesne University vs. Richmond – Don’t Miss the Action!

On Sunday, September 21, the Duquesne University women’s soccer team will kick off their Atlantic 10 season against Richmond at Rooney Field. This match starts at 1:00 p.m. and is also Youth Day, making it a special occasion for young fans.

The Dukes have a mixed record in conference openers, with 12 wins, 14 losses, and 2 draws over the years. Recently, they wrapped up their non-conference play with a 2-2 tie against Eastern Kentucky on September 14. In that game, seniors Brianna Moore and Mackenzie Muir scored in the first half, but Eastern Kentucky rallied in the second half to even the score.

Duquesne stands out nationally, ranking second in NCAA Division I for shots per game, averaging 23.75, and third in shots on goal with 10.63. They’ve been aggressive, totaling 39 shots in their last outing, matching a program record. Additionally, they rank seventh in corner kicks per game and twelfth in scoring offense with an impressive 2.75 goals per game.

Leading the way for Duquesne is senior forward Maya Matesa, who has been making headlines with her performance. Matesa is currently the only player in NCAA Division I to hit double digits in goals, entering the Richmond game with 10 goals and 21 points. She also leads the country in goals per game and points per game, which shows her exceptional skills on the field.

In their last home game, Duquesne dominated Youngstown State with a 4-0 win, where Matesa scored twice. Her strong start this season earned her the Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Week award for the second week in a row, a rare achievement in the program’s history.

Head coach Jessica Giegucz is in her first year leading the Dukes, bringing ten years of coaching experience from Slippery Rock. Giegucz has already made an impact, achieving a milestone of 200 games coached across different institutions. Under her guidance, the Dukes are looking to build on last year’s record of 9-7-1, with five returning starters, including four of the top scorers. This continuity could be key as they face Richmond, a team they have historically outperformed with a series record of 11 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw.

The Spiders come into this matchup with a record of 3-2-3 and are fresh off a 1-1 draw. Freshman Emma Newman is a highlight for Richmond, bringing 12 points from five goals and two assists so far. Their game head coach, Adam Denton, has been steering the team for three seasons now, trying to turn around their performance.

As Duquesne gears up for the match, the energy is high. The senior class of 2025 has had a strong showing, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. This season, they have scored 19 of Duquesne’s 22 goals, showcasing their experience and teamwork. Senior midfielder Reese Kershner recently netted her first NCAA Division I goal, adding to an exciting season filled with individual milestones and team success.

As the Dukes prepare for this crucial Atlantic 10 opener, keep an eye on their progress, especially with standout players like Maya Matesa shaping up to create more records and memories this season.

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