By: By Al Barba
Game Preview
Kennesaw State opens a stretch a five straight road contests when it travels to Cullowhee, N.C. to face Western Carolina at the Catamount Athletic Complex on Friday (Sept. 2). Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. (ET).
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The Owls are 3-0-1 on the season, while the Catamounts are 1-3-0.
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Following Friday's match at Western Carolina, KSU will conclude its weekend trip to North Carolina with a visit to UNC Asheville for a 1 p.m. contest on Sunday (Sept. 4). The Bulldogs enter their Thursday's match-up with UAB with a 2-2 mark, having won their last two contests, including a 3-1 win over Western Carolina.
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Story Line
Kennesaw State enters Friday's match unbeaten through four matches and has equaled its best start to a season during the Division I era that began in 2005. The 2008 team also began its season 3-0-1.Â
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A win against Western Carolina will establish KSU's best start during the Division I era and mark the program's best opening to a season since 2003 when the Owls opened 8-0.
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Scouting Western Carolina
• The Catamounts are 1-3-0 following a 4-0 home loss to East Carolina on Sunday. Western Carolina's lone win thus far this season was a 3-1 victory at Winthrop on Aug. 21.
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Alabama A&M Review
• Senior
Shannon Driscoll recorded her first career hat trick to lead Kennesaw State to an 8-0 victory over Alabama A&M on Sunday (Sept. 28). Senior forward
Kim Fincher tallied two goals, while
Brittney Reed,
Jessica Sexton and
Abby Roth also scored.
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• The win also marked the 100th career victory for head coach
Benji Walton, who is in his first year as the Owls' head coach. Walton, who is in his 11th season overall as a head coach, has a career record of 100-80-11.
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Abby Roth Named ASUN Defensive Player of the Week
• Kennesaw State junior defender
Abby Roth was named the ASUN Conference's Defensive Player of the Week earlier this week after totaling three points and anchoring a backline that did not allow a goal during the run of play in three matchers versus Georgia State, Mercer and Alabama A&M.
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Kennesaw State Team Notes
• Senior
Shannon Driscoll leads the Owls and tops the ASUN Conference with nine points. She has totaled four goals and added an assist.
• Senior forward
Kim Fincher is tied for second in the ASUN with eight points (3 goals, 2 assists).
•Six different Owls have scored goals for KSU. Joining Driscoll (4) and Fincher (3), are
Brittney Reed (2),
Cassidy Kemp (2), and
Abby Roth and
Jessica Sexton with one each.
• The Owls rank 10th in the nation with 13 goals and are second in the ASUN behind NJIT, which has 14.
• KSU leads the ASUN Conference in goals against average (0.47) and shutouts (3).
• Senior goalkeeper
Catherine McDuff-Viau has two shutouts on the young season and has not allowed a goal during the run of play. The two goals surrendered by KSU have come on penalty kicks.
• Junior
Ashley Zambetti started in goal against Alabama A&M and earned a win and shutout in the Owls' 8-0 win.
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Next Up
The Owls return to action on Sunday (Sept. 4 ) when they visit UNC Asheville for a 1 p.m. match.
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Stat Leaders (2016)
Points: 9,
Shannon Driscoll
Goals: 4,
Shannon Driscoll
Assists: 2,
Brittney Reed,
Kim Fincher
Shots: 12,
Brittney Reed
Shots on Goal: 6,
Brittney Reed
Goals-Against Average: 0.00,
Ashley Zambetti
Saves: 11, Catherine McDuff-Via
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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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Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of Kennesaw State Athletics. Fifth Third Bank Stadium, the signature athletics landmark on the Kennesaw State University campus, is a world-class facility that has been recognized as one of the premier multi-use outdoor athletics venues in the country. In the fall of 2015, it become the official home of Owls football team and is home to Owls soccer and lacrosse as well.
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-- #GoKSUOwls –
