ROCK HILL, S.C. – Following her first brace on the season, senior Lira Mathes (Knoxville, Tenn.) has been named South Atlantic Conference AstroTurf Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league Wednesday morning.
The last C-N player to be honored overall was goalkeeper Jasmine Rizk who was named SAC Defensive Player of the Week back in October 2019. This is the first offensive player award for C-N since October 2018 when Magda Mosengo was awarded the honor.
The plaudit and title is Mathes's first of her Eagles career as she transferred in from Martin Methodist last season.
As one of the taller players on the pitch, Mathes has been a force to be reckoned with on the defensive side of the ball but saw a pair of goals fall her way in the span of five game minutes against Mars Hill. Mathes headed in beautiful cross by freshman Marta De Zanger (Barcelona, Spain) before notching her second goal of the night off a corner deflection by Molly Bukiewicz (Beavercreek, Ohio). She also anchored the defense that held the Lions scoreless for 90 minutes.
Make that ✌️ for @lira_mathes to make the lead 3.
— Carson-Newman Athletics (@CNathletics) March 4, 2021
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On the season, Mathes is tied for the team lead in points (4) with sophomore Makayla Garner (Fort Mill, S.C.) while landing both her shot attempts on goal while also compiling 99 minutes of gameplay over the two games so far.
For her Eagles career, Mathes has played 815 minutes prior to this season while having one game-winner to her name and helping lead C-N to a combined five shutouts over the last two full seasons combined thus far.
Mathes and the Eagles see road action for the first time this season as they travel to Greenville, Tennessee for a matchup with the Tusculum Pioneers. That match is slated for a first kick from Greenville at 5:00 p.m.
2020-21 SAC AstroTurf Women's Soccer Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week
Feb. 17- Jacqueline Aldrete, Newberry
Feb. 24 - Jaidyn Jacobs, Newberry
Mar. 3 - Tina Haig, Tusculum
Mar. 10 - Lira Mathes, Carson-Newman
Defensive Player of the Week
Feb. 17- Courtney Velazquez, Newberry
Feb. 24- Erica Turner, Queens
Mar. 3- Katie Beck, Catawba
Mar. 10- Grayson Cameron, Lenoir-Rhyne
