By: by Jessica Steadman
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Kennesaw State women’s soccer team used a 1-0 first half lead to defeat North Florida in Atlantic Sun Conference action on Friday night at Hodge Stadium.
The Owls (5-4-0, 3-1-0 A-Sun) dominated offensively in the first half, out-shooting the Ospreys (4-7-1, 1-2-0 A-Sun) 4-0.
Caitlin Dingle began the offensive drive, taking a shot in front of the net that was blocked by a UNF defender. Minutes later she scored her fourth goal of the year with a shot from the top of the box that found the back of the net, past the hands of North Florida keeper, Rachael Howard. Katie Scott received the assist on the goal.
Kristin Kranick almost doubled the KSU lead in the 44th minute but Howard’s quick hands stopped the freshman forward from scoring.
The Ospreys did not give up, tallying four shots in the second half including a shot off the foot of Katelin Swift, who is ranked atop the league in goals and points. Bridget Gaughan and the Black and Gold defense held Swift to just one shot on goal.
Vining and Lauren Ruffini came close to giving the Owls a 2-0 lead in the 51st and 52nd minutes but were stopped by Howard. Maylee Attin-Johnson also had a shot on goal in the 61st minute.
With the minutes winding down, Dingle took the final shot of the game but came up short as Howard picked up her fourth and final save of the match and the Black and Gold took home the 1-0 victory. Owl keeper Staci Pugh had three saves.
The Owls move to 3-1 in A-Sun action while the Ospreys fall to 1-2. Kennesaw State continues its conference road trip when they take on the Jacksonville Dolphins at 12:00 p.m.
