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Kennesaw, Ga. – The Kennesaw State soccer team opened its 2018 season in successful fashion, scoring three first-half goals en route to a 3-0 victory over visiting Western Carolina Friday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
 
The first game of the season marked a night of firsts as freshman Lauren Wilson, sophomore Kelsey Hahn and junior Morgan Harrison each scored their initial collegiate goals. Wilson also had an assist for the Owls (1-0).
 
How it Happened
» All three of Kennesaw State's goals came on set pieces as the Owls scored off corner kicks and within the span of 16 minutes.
» KSU broke the scoreless tie in the 23rd minute when Wilson settled the ball from redshirt freshman Kathryn Schreck and fired a shot past Western Carolina goalkeeper Icen Natalia.
» Wilson was in the middle of the scoring seven minutes later when she connected with Harrison, who scored at the 29:46 mark to put the Owls up 2-0.
» Hahn scored the final goal in the 39th minute after receiving a corner kick from sophomore Kendall Higgs and finding the back of the net.  

Coach Speak
"I am absolutely pleased with the 3-0 result and thought our girls stayed with the game plan, were organized defensively, created chances and got three goals off corner kicks," head coach Benji Walton said. "We take a lot of pride in our set pieces and to see us finish those is awesome. There is still a lot for us to get batter at as we need to communicate better, stay more organized and remain hungry."
 
On Three Players Scoring Their First Goals
"It is awesome to have three girls who didn't have goals last year score tonight and I am happy for them. They are excited and every time you score one it builds more confidence and we want to keep that momentum going."
 
Quoting Freshman Lauren Wilson
"All three of our goals came off corner kicks and we have been practicing them all week, and our goal is to be really good and excel at them. Our defense was good and we were really organized in the back and I have to compliment Kelsey Hahn and Sydney Meador who are always really organized in the back and do a good job communicating. Tiffany Sornpoa also made some good saves."
 
Notes
» The Owls outshot the Catamounts, 11-7, including a 6-1 advantage in shots on-goal.
» Kennesaw State improved to 10-6-1 in season openers and 6-2 in home season openers.
» KSU posted its second season-opening shutout in the last three years. The Owls opened the 2016 campaign with a 1-0 victory at Chattanooga.   

NEXT UP
Kennesaw State returns to Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Sunday when it hosts Georgia State beginning at 7 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.
 
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.