By: KSU Sports Information
Live Stats
Game Notes
KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women’s soccer team begins its quest for a third Atlantic Sun Conference title in its last five years when it officially kicks off the 2011 season at Alabama on Friday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. The match is the season opener for both teams and it will be played at Alabama Soccer Stadium.
The Black and Gold are 4-3 in season openers since making the transition to Division I in 2004.
Kennesaw State is coming off of a 1-1 tie against Jacksonville State on Aug. 12 in its lone preseason tune-up. Senior co-captain Katie Schwartz provided the game-tying goal in the 35th minute, while goalkeepers Melissa Hutto and Emily Cox each played 45 minutes in net combining for three saves.
KSU has two opponents on its schedule from the SEC this season in Alabama on Friday, and Auburn on Aug. 28. The Owls are 1-4 all-time against SEC opponents, but its lone win came against Alabama in a 3-2 victory in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 7, 2007.
The Owls are eager, yet aware of the challenge that lies in front of them, heading into Friday night’s season opener against Alabama and that sentiment was echoed by head coach Rob King’s comments.
“We're excited to open up the season with a tough SEC opponent,” coach King said. “Playing Alabama on the road is definitely a challenge as Tuscaloosa is a tough place to go and do well. They'll have a rowdy crowd on hand, and it'll be a new environment for most of our squad. We had a great win there in 2007, but these are both new teams with lots of young players and everything to play for.”
Friday night also marks the official introduction of the 11 newcomers on coach King’s squad. The 11 newcomers are the most players that coach King has brought in during an offseason in the Owls Division I era. One of those players happens to be a transfer from Friday night’s opponent in defender Jewelia Strickland who is eager to start the season.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing and playing against my friends and former teammates," Strickland said. "Bama has a strong team and we will have to play our best to get a victory at their home field. I have a lot of confidence in our talented KSU squad and we have been preparing all week to take down The Tide. If we play our best we will be able to come away with our first road win of the season."
Alabama finished 10th overall in the Southeastern Conference last year with a record of 8-8-2 (3-6-2 SEC). The Crimson Tide has eight starters returning, including senior goalkeeper Justine Bernier. Bernier was named to the 2011 Hermann Trophy Watch List, an annual award given to the top NCAA Division I women’s soccer player.
You can follow the KSU women's soccer team all season long by going to KSUOWLS.com and click on the women’s soccer links for the up-to-date news and scores.
