Yesterday, Bearcats graduate forward Vanessa DiNardo was tabbed to the AAC Honor roll after a huge week for the Bearcats, where she recorded three goals in the teams two matches versus Western Michigan and Morehead State.
DiNardo, tied the game up for the Bearcats versus Western Michigan in the 76th minute after the Broncos took an early 2-1 lead behind consecutive goals from Reagan Wisser, but DiNardo snuck behind the Bronco’s defense and beat her defender to find the back of the net that would eventually settle the game as a draw despite trailing for most of the match.
Dinardo also was a huge factor for the Bearcats in their 3-0 victory over Morehead State at Gettler Stadium yesterday, as she recorded a brace, which is soccer terms for when someone scores two goals. However, DiNardo had the opportunity for the hat trick late in the contest as she was fouled within the 18-yard box, but would just miss the penalty kick over the top crossbar.
DiNardo, a Strongsville, Ohio native has been a dominant force for the Bearcats over the last four seasons as she led the Bearcats in goals a season ago with nine, was named to the AAC Second Team in 2021, DiNardo was also tabbed to the American Athletic Conference Rookie team back in 2018 as a unanimous selection after an outstanding start to her Bearcat career. DiNardo, was named to the AAC All-Preseason team ahead of the 2022 season where she would be joined by teammate Ashley Barron.
DiNardo returned to the Bearcats for her 5th season, taking advantage of the Covid year, has made the most of the opportunity here in the 2022 season and has been a vital piece for Neil Stafford and the Bearcats, as they now sit (4-1-3) on the season, as they head into conference play on September 22nd, versus Memphis.
