Blain sets all-time career scoring record

Add two more records to the resume of striker Karolyne Blain of the Cape Breton University Capers women’s soccer team.

The 5’ scoring sensation from Sudbury, ON recorded a pair of goals in the Capers 8-0 victory over the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers Saturday, giving her four goals on the season and 47 for her career.

Blain’s 47 goals in 48 games (she was held off the score sheet in Sunday’s 4-0 win over the Mount Allison Mounties) makes her the all-time leading scorer in CBU history, surpassing Kristina Weatherbie, who had 45 markers in her five-year career.

“It still feels surreal,” said Blain. “Looking back to my first year at CBU, I never would have thought I would be where I am today and to have experienced what I have.

“So much of the success is owed to the amazing coaching staff and the amazing teammates I have had since Day 1.”

Unofficially, Blain also became the all-time leading scorer in Atlantic University Sport, moving past former UPEI Panther Tessa Roach who finished her career with 46 goals.

“This is a terrific feat for Karolyne,” said Capers head coach Stephen “Ness” Timmons. “It shows her consistency through the years and her dedication to being the best student-athlete she can be.”

Blain had 13 goals as a rookie on her way to being named AUS Rookie of the Year and Second Team All-Canadian. Following an injury-riddled second season, she returned with a vengeance, recording 14 goals in 2013 and 16 in 2014. She was named AUS Most Valuable Player and CIS First Team All-Canadian both seasons and her 16 goals is a CBU single-season record and unofficial AUS single-season record.

Blain, who has been CBU’s Female Athlete of the Year the past two years, has also excelled off the pitch. A four-time Academic All-Canadian, she is a two-time CBU President’s Award winner for top academic performance among student-athletes and became the first CBU student-athlete to win the James Bayer Memorial Scholarship awarded by the AUS for the top student-athlete combining athletic and academic performance with community involvement.

“Karolyne has been an exceptional student-athlete since her arrival on campus,” said CBU Director of Athletics John Ryan. “On the pitch, in the classroom…everything she does, she does to the absolute best of her ability and we are absolutely thrilled for her to be able to add this record to her list of accomplishments.”

“On and off the field, Karolyne has been nothing but a success,” added Timmons. “What she has accomplished and what she has done for Capers Athletics is incredible and something you rarely see.”

Blain will look to add to her record this Friday at StFX and then Sunday when the currently undefeated Capers (3-0-1) host the Acadia Axewomen (3-0-0) in what looks like a first place showdown at the Cape Breton Health Recreation Complex on the CBU campus.