By: by Scott Lipsky
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State Owls women’s soccer team officially began their quest for a second consecutive Atlantic Sun Conference title and repeat berth in the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, as Coach Rob King held full practice sessions with his 2010 squad for the first time.
The Owls have just nine days before their first exhibition contest against Jacksonville State on Saturday, Aug. 14, their first match in the brand-new, 8,300 seat KSU Soccer Stadium. They will have some big shoes to fill once the regular season rolls around in several areas on the field. Aside from losing forwards Caitlin Dingle and Maylee Attin-Johnson to graduation, a duo that made up 31% of the scoring last season, they also said goodbye to senior Bridget Gaughan, the A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year.
Stepping into the role of veteran leaders will be senior Goalkeeper Staci Pugh, last season’s A-Sun Tournament MVP, defender Caroline Austin and midfielder Savannah Duet. For Austin, who missed all but the first game of last season due to injury, the first day of practice was an important step for the squad, as they were able to get on the field with a lot of their familiar teammates and also begin to integrate the program’s five newcomers, which include four freshmen and a transfer.
“Today was a great day on our new practice facilities. We started to bond as teammates all over again and were able to get the newcomers involved,” she commented. “I believe this season is going to be very successful and cannot wait for the young players to utilize their talents to improve our team.”
The Black and Gold also practiced at the brand-new practice field located adjacent to the stadium for the first time of Thursday. The practice facility is one of many amenities that have been added to improve the student-athlete experience.
King’s squad will play a second exhibition game against Georgia College and State University on Tuesday, Aug. 17 before officially beginning their season on Aug. 20 when they visit the College of Charleston. Their regular-season home-opener is Sunday, Aug. 22, when they host Alabama A&M.
