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KENNESAW, Ga. – Freshmen Alexis Poole and Kamiyah Street led a group of five players in double figures as the Kennesaw State women's basketball team defeated Thomas University, 68-40, in an exhibition Sunday afternoon at the KSU Convocation Center.
 
Poole recorded a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds, while Street contributed 13 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and six steals. Senior Clara Young added 12 points, while junior Janae Omusi and freshman Caroline Dan each scored 10 points.
 
THE STORY LINE
With four of the five starters newcomers to the roster, Kennesaw State jumped out to an early lead and never was threatened, building a 24-7 lead after the first quarter. Street set the tone early, hitting a 3-pointer following the opening tip, and the Owls went on to make seven-of-11 field goal attempts from behind the arc to build a 43-17 halftime lead. Senior Clara Young was 4-for-4 from 3-point range, and Street had a pair of treys in the opening 20 minutes. KSU shot 43.6 percent (17-for-39) from the field in the first half.

QUOTING THE COACH
"We're really young, and I think it showed. We started four new kids and Clara was the only person we had coming back," head coach Agnus Berenato said. "I thought the first half we played really well and Clara controlled the pace of the game. The one thing I did not take into consideration was the 15-minute halftime. They came out in the second half and lost it. I loved the enthusiasm, the emotion and the hustle, and I loved that we turned them into so many steals and we were able to capitalize on their turnovers with points.
 
"I really wasn't happy with the rebounding. Thomas University did a great job on the boards and I felt like we missed way too many shots," Berenato added. "Overall, I was happy. I am happy that we got this game under our belts."
 
BERENATO ON THE PLAY OF STREET
"I thought Kamiyah Street played exceptionally well defensively. She went hard for the majority of time on the court," Berenato said. "I thought she was all over the court and was the Energizer Bunny today. She did an amazing job and made some great decisions."
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Sparked by Street, the Owls forced 27 turnovers that led to 29 points. KSU also won the rebounding battle, 48-47, and posted a 34-14 advantage in scoring in the paint. In just 17 minutes of action, reigning ASUN Conference Freshman of the Year Carlotta Gianolla scored eight points and collected four rebounds while coming off the bench.
 
NEXT UP
Kennesaw State officially opens its 2017-18 season on Friday when it travels to South Carolina to take on Clemson at the Littlejohn Coliseum. Tip-off is 11 a.m. (ET).
 
BERENATO ON SEASON OPENER AT CLEMSON
"I am so excited and excited to play an ACC opponent. I respect Clemson and their conference," Berenato said. "For us to go down and play Clemson on their new court, I am just anxious to see how we compete. It is about the competition and we are fired up. I can't wait to start the season for real."
 
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's basketball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Follow Coach Berenato on Twitter @KSUCoachB.