GAME LINKS
Box Score (PDF)	Box Score (XML)

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Benji Walton era as head coach of the Kennesaw State women's soccer program opened on a successful note on Friday (Aug. 22).

An early goal by senior Shannon Driscoll, solid defense and strong goalkeeping by senior Catherine McDuff-Viau held up for a 1-0 victory over Chattanooga in both team's 2016 opener at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga.

BENJI BITES
"We came out of the gate playing really well on the attack and scored early and that gave us a lot of momentum and confidence and helped us settle in. We were able to defend our shape and played well defensively. We learned some things that will help us prepare for the challenges ahead. The girls came out extremely motivated and composed and that really set the tone of the game for us."
 
WALTON ON CATHERINE MCDUFF-VIAU
"Anytime you have a set piece (free kick) it can be a momentum changer, especially late in the game. We had worked on that exact set piece in training and we had everyone positioned in the right spot. Cat had a great position and good hands. She played a good game all around."
 
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
DRISCOLL SCORES: The Owls set the tone and tempo early by possessing the ball in the Chattanooga end and breaking through on a goal by senior Shannon Driscoll off a serve from junior defender Ida Hepsoe.
 
McDUFF-VIAU: Senior goalkeeper Catherine McDuff-Viau came up big late in the second half when she turned a Chattanooga free kick from just outside the penalty are. McDuff-Viau saved all four shots taken by the Mocs.
 
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
Kennesaw State outshot Chattanooga, 9-4, and held a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks. The Owls dominated the first half, outshooting the Mocs, 7-2, and took five corner kicks.
 
OPENING ACTS
The Owls improved to 8-6 in season openers and started 1-0 for the second straight season. KSU's 1-0 victory over Chattanooga was its first road-opening win since defeating College of Charleston 4-3 in 2010.

WHAT'S NEXT
Kennesaw State opens its 2016 home schedule on Monday (Aug. 19) when it hosts local rival Georgia State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. (ET) for Student Appreciation Night.

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.

 
Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium is the home of women's soccer, women's lacrosse and football.
 

-- #GoKSUOwls --