The Kennesaw State women’s soccer team played three times this past week, defeating Alabama A&M 3-0, before falling 2-0 to Furman and bouncing back with a 3-1 win against Presbyterian.
For the opening win on Monday, Sept. 2, the Owls got off to a fast start. The first goal was scored by junior Kendall Baker and assisted by junior Erin Harris on 17 minutes.
The second goal was scored by Harris 10 minutes later and assisted by senior Carly Pressgrove. Baker and Harris each scored their third goals of the season during this game.
In the second half, sophomore Danielle Vos scored her first goal of the season to extend KSU’s lead and secure its third consecutive victory.
“The biggest thing we stress is building every single game,” head coach Benji Walton said. “Overall, we’ll take a 3-0 win and two shutouts over the weekend.”
Against Furman on Friday, Sept. 6, both teams were evenly matched at the beginning of the game as chances occurred at both ends of the field.
With less than 10 seconds left in the first half, the Paladins stunned the Owls with a goal. Amanda Baker scored for Furman with an assist from Isabella Gutierrez.
Late in the second half, the Paladins were awarded a free kick about 40 feet outside the penalty box and scored to seal the game.
Against Presbyterian on Sunday, Sept. 8, the Owls controlled the tempo of the first half by possessing the ball for the majority of the half.
The hard work payed off when a string of eight passes led to a strong pass from senior Isabella Contreras on the left side of the box to senior Emely Sosa who tapped in her first goal of the season on 31 minutes.
The Blue Hose attempted a tactical change by switching goalkeepers from Megan Serrano to Alyssa Leaman to begin the second half. The Owls were not phased as the goals kept coming.
KSU’s next goal mirrored the first one as Baker laid off a pass for Contreras to tap in on 53 minutes. Contreras was able to notch a goal and assist on her birthday.
Efficient wing play contributed to the third goal as Harris was able to spot an open Kendall Higgs dashing into the box with another goal on 62 minutes.
The Owls coasted for the rest of the game, resting most of their starters. Presbyterian was able to get a last minute consolation goal by Peyton Patterson, who scored on a rebound shot after a save from KSU junior Tiffany Sornpao.
“They were hungry,” Walton said. “It’s nice when you have the seniors step up like that.”
The Owls next game is on Friday, Sept. 12, against Charleston Southern University at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at 3:30 p.m.
