OSHAWA, Ont. – Fadi Salback (Bowmanville, Ont.) of the men's soccer team and Mikaela Tierney (King City, Ont.) of the women's soccer team have been named Ontario Tech University student-athletes of the week for the period ending September 1.
 
Salback, a first-year forward, scored the Ridgebacks' first goal of the season on Sunday in their home opener against the Carleton Ravens. Controlling a cross to the centre of the box from Danial Rafisamii, he blasted the ball past outstretched Ravens' keeper Nick Jeffs. The goal was not only the team's first of the season, but also opened the scoring in the match. He also had multiple opportunities in the remaining 78 minutes, but couldn't find a way to beat Jeffs a second time.
 
Tierney, a fifth year defender, was a key piece in Ontario Tech earning a split in their opening weekend of OUA action. Up against the defending U SPORTS champion Ottawa Gee-Gees on Saturday, Tierney helped anchor the back line that allowed only one goal by the Gee-Gees, who finished 2018 with a league-high 41 goals for. The lone goal in Saturday's home opener also came off a penalty kick.
 
On Sunday, in the team's final match of the opening weekend, she continued her strong defensive play, but also saved the Ridgebacks from giving up their three points. Late in the match after a pair of shots towards goal from the Ravens and with Ontario Tech's keeper trying to get back into position she jumped to the goal line and headed the ball out of the box from a point-blank shot to keep the Ridgebacks ahead 1-0 and eventually win the match.
 
Both soccer programs play their annual friendly match against the cross-campus rival Durham Lords on Tuesday night, which is followed by their returned to OUA conference play next weekend against the Nipissing Lakers and Laurentian Voyageurs on the road.
 
The Ontario Tech student-athlete of the week award is presented by Subway located at 2069 Simcoe Street North in Oshawa.