By: by Jessica Steadman
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State is just one win away from its second-ever trip to the NCAA Women’s Collegiate Cup, but standing in between the Owls and an appearance in the national tournament are the No. 2-seed Belmont Bruins, the team that eliminated the Owls from the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament last season.
After an overtime win over Jacksonville in the semifinals on Thursday night, the Owls focused their sights on the Bruins, who defeated Stetson, 1-0, in Thursday’s first semifinal. Ironically, it was Belmont who eliminated the Owls from the A-Sun tournament last season on KSU’s home pitch.
“Last year is in the past and both teams are very different from a year ago,” said Owls head coach Rob King. “There isn’t a doubt that Saturday’s match is going to be a challenge. Each team is playing well at the moment and we’ll put forth proper effort and if we can play to our capabilities I’ll be pleased.”
The Owls and the Bruins met at the KSU Soccer Complex in mid-October with Kennesaw State coming away with a, 4-2, win after scoring three first half goals. The four goals scored by the Black and Gold is the most allowed by Belmont this season.
Kennesaw State, who defeated Mercer in the 2007 tournament final, will be playing in its second championship game while the Bruins, who defeated Mercer last season, will be playing in their second consecutive A-Sun final.
Saturday’s championship match will be filled with the conference’s top performers including the A-Sun Defensive-Player-of-the-Year in Kennesaw State’s Bridgett Gaughan. In total, 10 all-conference honorees will hit the field in the final, five from each team.
Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the KSU Soccer Complex.
