PITTSBURGH — Carlow University Athletics is taking center stage as Three Rivers News expands its local sports coverage to highlight the Celtics' NCAA Division III programs right here in Pittsburgh.

 

Founded in 1929 as Mount Mercy College, Carlow University has evolved into a dynamic co-educational institution with a growing varsity athletic presence in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC).

 

Led by Head Coach Allen Duda, now in his sixth season with the men's soccer program, the Celtics are building momentum as they take on key AMCC rivals like Hilbert College today at F.N.B. Stadium, along with a rugged conference slate featuring Penn State Behrend, Penn State Altoona, and Penn State Beaver.

 

In addition to fall soccer coverage, Three Rivers News will follow Carlow Athletics onto the hardwood this winter, providing game previews, match recaps, and updates for both the men's and women's basketball teams.

 

"Carlow University sports represent an essential part of the Pittsburgh athletic community," said Robert Joseph Orwig, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Three Rivers News. "We are excited to partner with Carlow Athletics to bring their student-athletes, coaches, and stories to sports fans across the region."

 

For ongoing coverage of Carlow University sports and local collegiate athletics, visit threeriversnews.net.

Post-Match Quotes & Audio Transcripts

Carlow University Head Coach Allen Duda & Team Captain Cam Murdy

Q: "All right coach, so explain everything happening and what you said to your boys at halftime."

A (Coach Duda): "So, we played really well in the first half, so like pre-game talked about moving the ball quickly, keeping things simple, getting after it. They did really well in the first half and did exactly everything that was asked. And then second half just couldn't get going, so I clearly didn't say the right thing at halftime because we got worse in the second half than the first half! But deserved the win, it's just a matter of clicking really, you know? We've had some super results this year, but we just haven't got the wins that we needed against the likes of Mount Aloysius—we lost 3-2 who are top of the conference and we were winning the game for large periods of time. But everybody just sees the loss and thinks, 'Oh, it's not a great team.' But we've been right there all season, so it's just nice to get over the finish line. And now the playoff hunt's really on to try and get at least 6th seed and then move into the postseason for the 4th time in 5 years, which is a big deal for our program as we keep to build, you know? 'Cause from last season to this season, we lost 9 out of our 11 starters who have all graduated or moved on, so it's a brand new team outside of Cam Murdy here, captain and easily one of our best players. So the turnover's been really big, but we're still there fighting and if we can make playoffs it'll be a big deal for us."

Q: "Now, what's your thought on the pitch during the first and second half of the game, and did you understand what your coach was saying at halftime, and as the captain for your squad, how did that make you feel to get your team rallied and ready for this game?"

A (Cam Murdy): "Yeah, it was a great team win. A lot of different guys getting on the score sheet, which is always great to see. We all worked hard and we knew what this game meant to us. Coach obviously saying all the right things got us ready for this game pretty much! But yeah, just having fun out there and giving it our best and coming home with the win, that's what we did."

Visiting Head Coach Interview

Q: "All right coach, thanks again for taking time out. What happened on the pitch, can you walk us through that and tell us what you said to your team at halftime?"

A: "Yeah, so first half I don't think we came out as strong as we usually do. Second half we made some adjustments, changed formation, came out a little stronger in the second half. Thought we played better than we did in the first, but just couldn't capitalize."

Q: "Any thoughts for the rest of the season?"

A: "Just get back to work tomorrow at practice and then get ready for the next game on Saturday."