Leo Martinez-Valerio | staff writer

Duquesne women’s soccer opened its conference schedule on Sunday, earning its pivotal first conference win over Richmond, 3-0. The win puts Duquesne at 6-2-1 right in the heart of its schedule.

The star of Sunday’s match was senior Maya Matesa, who broke the school record for most goals scored in a single season. In the 11th minute, Matesa corralled the ball inside the box then proceeded to rip a shot into the back of the net. This goal counted for Matesa’s 11th of the season which set a new university record.

“It was amazing,” Matesa said. “Words can’t describe how I felt. I love my team, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The record was previously held by Lauren Bracco (2003-2006) and Katie O’Connor (2015-2018). O’Connor still holds the record for most career goals as a Duke with 25, but Matesa is inching closer to becoming Duquesne’s all time leading scorer with 23 current goals.

Matesa now has 23 points on the year, creating a 13 point gap between her and Brianna Moore for second place on the team. Matesa’s 11th goal leads the nation for total goals so far this season, while her incredible scoring has helped Duquesne rank 10th nationally in scoring offense, with 2.78 goals per game.

Matesa’s performance was also accompanied by lights out performances from junior forward Kaitlyn Killinger and Moore. Killinger bagged an assist and a goal earning her the honor of A-10 Offensive Player of the Week.

The Dukes’ next goal came two minutes after the half off an assist by Killinger. Killinger lofted a corner kick into the box which was met by senior forward Brian na Moore. Moore headed the ball past Spider keeper Veronica Rrapi to tack on the second goal of the day.

Moore’s header notched her fourth goal of the season, placing her in a tie for fifth all-time leading scorer.

Like Matesa, Moore is looking to make a push up the leading scorer ladder.

Killinger then put the game on ice in the 83rd minute. Junior forward Kayla Leseck delivered the Duke’s 12th corner kick deep into the box. After the ball bounced around, it eventually found the left foot of Killinger who then sent a speeding ground ball into the net for the match’s third and final goal.

The win was highlighted by complete team play from Duquesne, completely shutting down the Spiders. Richmond was only able to muster three shots throughout the match, with one being on goal.

The back line of the Dukes delivered another stellar shut out. The starting defensive line of senior Eva LaVecchia, junior Reagan Baeshore and senior Lindsay Krafchick locked down their side of the field for the whole 90 minutes.

The trio made it an easy day for junior goalkeeper Ali Hughes who only had to produce one save and earned her fourth shutout of the year.

“It is so great and they are starting to learn each other really well,” Head Coach Jessica Giegucz said about defensive chemistry. “Ali, our goalkeeper, has done a really great job with directives and instruction. We start our defensive back line so far up the field that they are overall just working together so perfectly.

This match was a much-needed confidence boost after a frustrating 2-2 draw against Eastern Kentucky the week before. The Dukes were able to play on their terms, moving efficiently and taking their lessons to heart.

“We definitely learned more about keeping possession, and that has helped us the most,” Matesa said.

“Keeping the ball will get us forward and get us goals.”

Every game left on Duquesne’s schedule is conference play, meaning every game is significant and emotional. The Dukes are currently tied for first place in conference standings and hold the third best overall record in the A-10.

“This is where everything matters,” Giegucz said. “Being in conference games means we are now fighting for the potential to extend our season and make the playoffs.”

Duquesne continues its A-10 schedule with a visit to the nation’s capital, taking on George Washington on Sept. 25. The Dukes are aiming to keep their conference record perfect and continue their offensive masterclass.

Leo Martinez-Valerio can be reached at martinezvaleril@duq.edu