America East Conference Men's Soccer Release
America East Conference Women's Soccer Release

VESTAL, N.Y. — Junior midfielder Michael Austin (Oneonta, N.Y.) and junior forward Tracy Kasmarcik (Binghamton, N.Y./ Susquehanna Valley) have each been honored by the America East Conference for their impressive play last week. Austin was named the men’s soccer Player of the Week while Kasmarcik was named the women’s soccer Player of the Week.

The last time the America East Conference men’s and women’s Players of the Week were from the same school came on September 15, 1997 when Alfredo Bulgarini and Jen Herlihy of Northeastern were honored. In addition, this marks only the seventh time since 1991, when theAmerica East started a women's soccer league, that this has happened.

Austin earned the honor by virtue of his performance in the Bearcats’ 3-1 win over New Hampshire on Sunday. Austin had a goal and an assist against a team that was ranked seventh in the region heading into the game.

“We are happy for Michael. He played great against New Hampshire,” said head coach Paul Marco. “We have improved since the beginning of the year and Michael will continue to be a big part of our getting better.”

Kasmarcik, meanwhile, scored five goals in the women’s team’s two wins last week. She recorded her first career hat trick in Friday’s 7-1 win over Howard and netted a pair of goals, including the game winner, in Sunday’s 4-3, double-overtime win at Colgate. For the season, Kasmarcik has a team-high seven goals to go along with four assists.

This marks the second straight week the women’s team has earned America East Player of the Week honors. Sophomore forward Tatiana Mathelier (Pomona, N.Y./ Saddle River Day (N.J.) earned the accolade last week.

“We are really pleased to have this happen twice in a row,” said head coach Jeff Leightman. “Our offense is really starting to click and Tracy and Tatiana have been big reasons for that.”

Currently, the women’s team is 6-2-1 and is on a four-game winning streak. The men’s team has a 3-4-1 record but is 2-0-1 in their last three outings.