Soccer Looking to Carry Momentum Forward

CORAL GABLES, Fla. — After a 2-0 upset of No. 3 Notre Dame last time out, the Miami Hurricanes will look to continue their winning ways Thursday with a matchup against visiting Pitt. Kickoff is set for  7 p.m. from Cobb Stadium.

“I think the confidence has skyrocketed for everyone,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “They ultimately know it takes each and every one of them to find success. We had a good rotation, and everyone is just pumped to go into the next game.”

A second-half brace from Ashley Flinn, marking the third multi-goal game of the season for the junior striker, earned the first ACC Player of the Week award since Kate Howarth in 2011.

But after allowing four goals in a disappointing defeat at Florida State in the previous match, a stout defensive showing from the Miami backline proved the most promising aspect of the victory for Monroe and her first-year staff.

“We start two freshmen in the back in Gracie [Lachowecki] and Gianna [Dal Pozzo],” Monroe said. “So to have them on the same page as our veteran defenders, Blake [Stockton] and Maddie [Simms], is huge. We’re looking for that consistency moving forward.”

Lachowecki and Dal Pozzo have played pivotal roles in the early going, but are not the only freshmen making a sizable impact. Midfielders Betsy Middleton and Cortney O’Connell, as well as Ariel Kupritz and Emily Auld, all saw valuable minutes against the Irish.

For the Hurricanes, contributions from the younger players and a continued offensive output from forwards Ashey Flinn and Jasmine Paterson, will be crucial to continue success in conference competition.

“This is the reason we play in the ACC. Every game is going to be tough, and I think we’re ready for it,” Monroe said.