The Pioneer Varsity Girls Soccer team saw one of its captains etch her name into the school's record books during their 8-0 win at home against Lake Shore on Oct. 8.
Fourth-year senior forward Ashley Bliss scored her 50th career goal, which is a feat only three previous players (Beth Mangino, Kiley Titus, and Meghan Root) have accomplished in program history.
With just 8:00 played into the first half, teammate Alyssa Boldt split Lake Shore's defense with a through ball, and Bliss kept her composure as she slotted the ball past the opposing goalkeeper to set the Panthers on a path to victory. Bliss would also add two other first-half goals to lead the team to its 10th victory of the season.
In recognition of her achievement, Bliss' coaches, teammates, and family shared their thoughts on a memorable accomplishment.
According to Ashley's mom, Christine Bliss, "Ashley received her first soccer ball at the age of three, and from that moment on, it's very rare to see her without a ball at her feet. From being called up to JV as a seventh-grader, to being informed by [former coach] Frank Asquith that she'd be play varsity prior to her freshmen year, to being mentored by Meghan Root ('18) through her sophomore year, Ashley's growth and passion for the sport has allowed to her excel throughout her time in the program.
"For Ashley to come out in her senior year and join Pioneer's record books by making this 50-goal accomplishment, it is truly an honor for herself and for us. We could not be more proud of our daughter. Congratulations to her!"
Coach Asquith agreed. "I brought Ashley up to the varsity program as an underclassmen. Ashley was a talented young player with a solid skillset and an innate ability to see the field. However, it was her drive and determination to compete and play this game at the highest level that earned her status among Pioneer's all-time leading scorers. Without question, Ashley's contributions played a major role in two divisional and one sectional title."
Ashley's fellow captain Kaitlyn Sobczak praised her teammate. "I have know Ashley for multiple years, not only as a teammate, but as a friend. Ash's hard work and determination goes beyond anyone I have ever seen. I couldn't be more proud of her for not only reaching 50 goals, but for being a dedicated and amazing athlete. Congratulations Ash!"
In 2018, Ashley was an ECIC l Scholar Athlete. She injured her knee in first game of 2019 but came back stronger than ever to reach the career 50-goal mark for herself and Pioneer.
Timothy Hirschbeck, current Panthers girls varsity soccer coach, said the milestone is well deserved. "Ashley's contributions to this program have been invaluable. While I've only had the chance to work alongside Ashley over the past year, I quickly grew to appreciate her leadership on and off the field.
"Her work ethic and ability with the ball at her feet is remarkable, and the offensive statistics that she's put up at the varsity level certainly speak volumes. I'm thankful to have witnessed such an achievement, and I'm certainly excited to continue following Ashley's growth and achievements beyond Pioneer."