Apparently, the only thing the ACC Cougars needed to win a women's soccer game was Dauphin's Marley Quesnel.
Heading into this year's MCAC season, the Cougars women's program had never won a conference game. Now having Marley in the lineup, things changed quickly for the program.
They kicked off their season this past weekend on Saturday against the CMU Blazers. Last year the Blazers finished in second place and Marley and the rest of the Cougars tied them 3-3.
On Sunday, the Dauphinite and the rest of the Cougars made history. They won their first-ever game in team history as they beat the Brandon University Bobcats. Last year the Bobcats won the entire league.
"Things have been going really well," said Quesnel. "It was super exciting to beat Brandon that's for sure. Everyone was just so pumped up. And I think it was even more special because it came against last year's top team. It was just simply amazing."
Besides making history, Marley is also enjoying making some new friends and playing a sport she highly enjoys at a very competitive level.
"I've just been having a ton of fun out here," added Quesnel. "The whole team has bonded really well. It's almost like we've been playing for years, but it's only been two games."
Next up for the team is a game this Saturday on their home field against Red River. Coming into the game, Red River is 0-2 and is the only winless team in the league. Despite having a good chance to add to the win column and keep their mojo going, Marley isn't looking too far ahead.
"We're just going out there and giving it our all," said Quesnel. "It's a tough league and we know we can't take anytime off. Red River is going to be hungry for a win. It should be a fun one."
What's Next:
If the 18-year-old wasn't already busy enough, she's about to get a lot busier. Already attending classes and soccer practices, open hockey tryouts begin this week for the Cougars program.
She'll join the squad after committing to the team earlier this year.
"It's going to be great to get back on the ice," said Quesnel. "It's always really exciting at the beginning of the year because I get to meet some new people and make new friends. It's going to be fun for everyone involved."
Playing locally for years, the goaltender could be in for a little bit of a culture shock. The Cougars play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. That means goal scorers on the other team's will be very talented and Marley will be tasked with making some big-time saves.
"I think it's going to be pretty tough," she added. "It's obviously a step up from what I've played in the past. With that being said, I'm not trying to put too much pressure on myself. I'm a smaller goalie so I'll have to make myself bigger, but I think I'll do fine."
The Cougars begin their hockey season on October 13 in North Dakota.
