FOND DU LAC  — The Carthage women's soccer team opened their 2024 season at Smith Field Friday. The Carthage offense did not hesitate to start the season strong by putting up the first goal only a minute and twenty-three seconds into the game and securing the win within the game's final seconds.

• Final score: Carthage 3 - Marian 2
• Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin - Smith Field 
• Records: Carthage (1-0-0), Marian (0-1-0)

• The Firebirds started hot, scoring 1-0 in just under a few minutes in the first half, with a goal from a corner kick by Peyton Olinski and assistance by Lisa Traxel. 
• Marian answered back to the Firebirds to end the first half, making the score tied at 1-1.
• In the second half, the Sabres took charge early to take the lead from the Firebirds.
• The Carthage women did not let up and tied the game with an unassisted goal by Lisa Traxel from along the goal line. 
• The Firebirds secured the win with just seven seconds left in regulation with a header goal by Peyton Olinski assisted from a center pass by Amelia Price.

• Peyton Olinski led the Carthage women with two goals.
• Lisa Traxel led the Firebirds in assists with one. 
• Ainsley Stallworth started in goal, achieving her first win of the season with 11 saves.

• The Firebirds are on the road again at Aurora on Sunday, September 1. Set for kickoff at 1 p.m. for a non-conference matchup at Spartan Athletic Park.