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ROCK HILL, S.C. – A young Kennesaw State women's soccer team battled hard for 110 minutes, got a late goal from a senior and settled for a 1-1 tie in Friday night's season opener at Winthrop in Rock Hill, S.C.
 
In an evenly played contest, both teams turned in strong defensive performances, managing just four shots on goal. The Eagles held a 10-5 overall shot advantage.
 
FIRST STRIKE
Winthrop struck first with a goal in the 76th minute as Gianna Giroux scored on a free kick that deflected off a KSU defender and found the back of the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.
 
THE EQUALIZER
Senior Ashtah Das came up big for the Owls as she used some nifty footwork to defeat a defender and produce a solid shot to score the equalizer in the 87th minute.

QUOTING THE COACH
"I am really proud of the fight our ladies showed tonight," head coach Benji Walton said. "While we would have preferred a win, it's always good to get a result on the road. We played a veteran Winthrop team that I thought did a good job of putting us under pressure. Our young group had to grow up fast and I was pleased with the adjustments we made as the game progressed.
 
"My seniors did a great job leading and not letting our team quit when Winthrop took a 1-0 lead. We learned a lot about who we are, and now we need to take those lessons and grow up fast as it will only get tougher as we move forward."
 
OF NOTE
Kennesaw State opened the season with 13 newcomers on its roster. Four freshmen were in Friday's starting lineup, and eight rookies saw playing time.
 
Next Up
The Owls return to action on Sunday when they travel to Decatur to take on Georgia State beginning at 7 p.m. (ET).

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.