Women’s soccer: Maiello honored as Atlantic 10’s co-Player of the Week

By Chuckie Maggio @chuckiemaggio

After scoring three goals and chipping in an assist in three games last week, St. Bonaventure senior forward Abby Maiello was named Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Maiello scored a goal in each game, helping lead the Bonnies to a 2-1 record. In the 2-0 win over Buffalo, she scored the first goal of the contest and assisted on fellow senior Lauren Hill’s goal. She then scored the tying goal against Akron on Sept. 4 in a game Bonaventure ended up losing in the final seconds. Finally, she anchored the Cleveland State comeback by scoring to cut the Vikings’ lead to one.

The Mechanicville, N.Y. native is tied for second in goals and points among Atlantic 10 players and is the first Bonnie to win Player of the Week honors since Hill received the honor in 2013.

“It was really cool. It made me excited not only for myself but for the program in general,” Maiello said. “We don’t usually get a lot of recognition in the A-10 which can sometimes be very frustrating, but I’m happy.

“Obviously this award is given in my name, but it’s my team that got me there.”

For a team that was picked last in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, a 2-2-2 start with nine goals and a win against 2014 NCAA Tournament participant Buffalo is a strong way to kick off the year.

Some observers may be a bit astounded by this exciting and powerful Bona team, but Maiello said she isn’t particularly shocked.

“I’m not surprised,” Maiello said. “One thing that we’ve had this year is such great team chemistry on and off the field. We have great freshmen coming in that have great attitudes and are always willing to work and push the upperclassmen.

“It’s really nice to have a team that’s so together, so I’m not surprised that we’ve had the success that we’ve had. I just hope we can keep it going.”

“I think (the award) is obviously well-deserved,” said Bona coach Steve Brdarski. “She had a great week, scoring goals, keeping us in games… she works hard and does her job and has done well leading her teammates, who have given her great balls and put her in position to score. It’s a recognition for not only her but for the team as well, and I think she recognizes that.”

Maiello and the Bonnies kick off a three-game road trip in Niagara tonight, when they take on the Purple Eagles at 7 p.m. The game will be streamed online at purpleeagles.com, for a $5.95 fee.