KSU’s women’s soccer team fell to the hands of the University of Tennessee- Martin Skyhawks, 2-0, on Sunday, dropping its record on the season to 4-5.
With the loss, the Black and Gold are just 1-4 at Kennesaw Stadium this fall. Marquee games against Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia State have drawn record crowds.
But, the Owls now need to focus on moving on to conference competition.
“Obviously we had a Friday night game on the road and got back in late, but that’s what it is about in the conference,” head coach Rob King said. “You play two games in the weekend. You have to be up for both and you have to be physically ready for both.”
UT-Martin struck in the 33rd minute of action when senior midfielder Midori Sera received an assist from sophomore Domininka Conchit an 18-yard shot in the upper-left corner of the goal.
The Owls were competitive— much more than they have been in past games when it comes to offensive pressure.
KSU actually outshot the Skyhawks in the first-half, 9-8, but were defended very well from UT-Martin’s goalkeeper Mariah Klenke.
Klenke recorded six saves in the contest. The Owls senior goalkeeper, Melissa Hutto, had five saves.
Despite a nice offensive effort from the Owls, King thought the team appeared worn out.
“We generated several good chances, but we did not stick it in the back of the net,” King said. “Obviously, they hung around and I think the goal they scored on was a very good strike, but we gave that player way too much time to get that shot off. Second, half I thought we looked quite fatigued.”
KSU finished with 16 shots, an aggressive performance that included five attempts from redshirt sophomore Katrina Frost. Iyana Hughes was on the attack as well, registering a team high three shots on goal on four attempts.
The Owls endured another tough non-conference slate this fall after having a rare down year in 2011. Last season the Owls finished 7-8-1, a rare year under the leadership of King.
Conference play, which opens this Saturday against arch-rival Mercer, will begin the opportunity for the Owls to make a run at postseason action.
KSU will host the Bears at KSU Stadium at 7 p.m., which will begin a three game home stand that includes visits from East Tennessee State on Sept. 28 and USC-Upstate on Sept. 30.
