Aug. 24, 2008
Box Score
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KENNESAW, Ga. - Kennesaw State used six goals in the first half to defeat Alabama A&M, 8-0, in their season opener on Sunday afternoon at the KSU Soccer Complex.
This game marks the most goals the Owls have scored since becoming a member of Division I, and the most since 2004.
Despite the on-again-off-again showers, the Owls offense was torrential in the first half as they out-shot the Bulldogs (0-2) 15-2 while building a six advantage. Beth Meadors opened up the scoring in the first minute with a blast to the right side after taking a cross from freshman Alyssa Mahan.
"This was a great game for us to start off our season," said an elated Meadors. "Our freshmen really stepped it up out there today."
Four freshmen started the match including Mahan, Brittany Vining, Katie Scott and Lauren Ruffini who added two goals of her own, her first coming on a header in the 12th minute.
"My first goal of my collegiate career being a header was pretty sweet," said Ruffini. "I think we played really well as a team and we can only get better from here."
The scoring barrage continued as Mahan put KSU up, 3-0, in the 18th minute. Meadors, who had five points on the day, started the attack by slicing a pass to Kristin Marietta who cut it back to a wide-open Mahan.
The Owls increased their lead when Meadors added her second goal off a corner kick from Mahan, who had three assists in her collegiate debut. The Owls made it 5-0 only 12 minutes later on Ruffini's second goal of the day.
The Black and Gold continued to press the action and freshman Kristen Kranick almost added another goal when her header just went wide of the A&M goal. However, senior captain Jessica Kalonji capped the first half scoring netting her first career goal in the 41st minute.
After taking four shots in the first five minutes, A&M's Lian Pino nearly spoiled KSU's shutout if not for KSU goalkeeper Staci Pugh who corralled the point blank shot. Pugh ended the afternoon with three saves before Jamie Moroney entered the match in the 58th minute and tallied two saves.
Kristin Marietta opened up the scoring in the second half on a breakaway that started with a pass from Yasha Blount. The Owls ended their scoring on a spectacular, acrobatic goal from freshman Shelby Cosby, who took a long pass from Mahan in midair and put it the top left side of the net.
"It was great to get everyone in the game," said head coach Rob King. "We always have a talented group and we just need to relax a little bit. The girls are still learning to play together, but it was a great win for us."
The Owls are back in action this weekend when they travel to Macon, Ga. to compete in the LQ Cup. KSU takes on Jackson State on Friday, August 29 at 4:00 p.m. followed by a 12:30 p.m. contest against Davidson on Sunday, August 31.
