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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Kennesaw State soccer team opened the Carolina Nike Classic dropping a hard-fought 1-0 decision to No. 12 Duke on Friday, August 30 at Fetzer Field on the campus of the University of North Carolina.
 
The Owls battled for a scoreless tie in the first 45 minutes of action, using smart play to make opportune scoring chances while staying compact and defensively strong throughout the half.
 
Duke broke the scoreless tie in the 59th minute as Christina Gibbons served in a free kick from just 25 yards out on the right side. Natasha Anasi, located on the back side of the goal, redirected the ball into the back of the net for the game-winning score.
 
The Blue Devils continued to pressure in the second half, but the KSU defense held resilient, not allowing Duke to put in a another goal.
 
Despite getting outshot 22 to three, the Owls held Duke to only eight shots on frame. Freshmen Maggie Gaughan and Suzanne Arafa and redshirt-freshman Brittney Reed each notched a shot in the match. Laura Weinberg led the Blue Devils with six shots, with three on goal.
 
Duke earned five corner kicks in the win, while KSU did not earn a corner.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Olivia Sturdivant totaled a season and career-high seven saves in the contest. Blue Devil goalkeeper Meghan Thomas did not record a save.
 
The Owls continue the Carolina Nike Classic on Sunday, September 1 when KSU takes on No. 1 North Carolina at 3 p.m. (ET). Live stats and video will be available on KSUOwls.com, as well as a live blog beginning at 2:45 p.m.
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State soccer news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
 
 

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