Kennesaw State’s women’s basketball team dropped its season opener 86-54 on Friday, Nov. 11, against Vanderbilt University.
The Owls are under first-year coach Agnus Berenato and, despite playing with confidence and determination, KSU couldn’t keep up with the Commodores.
Redshirt junior guard Clara Young and sophomore forward Allison Johnson led Kennesaw with 15 points apiece.
“I am really proud of the team. We played a very, very good Vanderbilt team and never gave up,” Berenato said.
The Owls suffered a tough loss when freshman forward Carlotta Gianolla left the game in the first quarter due to an injury and did not return.
The Commodores took an early lead and shot strong from the field, finishing the game with a 47 percent shooting rate, including six-for-12 from behind the three-point line.
Vanderbilt limited Kennesaw to 21 percent shooting in the first two-quarters and led 42-20 at the half.
The Owls’ offense had its chances, taking over 65 shots. At the start of the third quarter, the team was more competitive as KSU came within 10 points, with Johnson scoring 11 of her 15 points during the final minutes of the game.
“We played better in the second half than the first half, and I was proud of the effort,” Berenato said. “It was a great learning experience and I was happy to have the opportunity to play a team of Vanderbilt’s caliber.”
KSU will take on in-state rival Georgia Tech when the Yellow Jackets come to Kennesaw Wednesday, Nov. 14.
