MACON, Ga. – Erin Harris scored the first goal of the season, and Kennesaw State battled host Mercer University for over 108 minutes Thursday night at Betts Stadium. However, the Owls fell, 2-1, in their lid-lifter.
 
"Tough game for our group tonight.  I thought we played well but just didn't execute like we needed to in front of the goal.  It's a tough way to start the season but a huge opportunity to grow and learn from this outcome," said Head Coach Benji Walton. "Now our focus will be on our growth and how we can be better on Sunday."
 
Harris nimbly maneuvered through a pair of defenders and connected on the season's first score at 16:00.
 
That score held at intermission with KSU (0-1-0) goalie Tiffany Sornpao collecting five saves.
 
MU's (1-0-0) Ally Fordham tied the match at 53:20.
 
With the scoreboard evened after 90 minutes, the season opener went for extra periods. In the second overtime, Mercer's Ciara Whitely scored the golden goal.
 
KSU totaled more shots (22 to 17), shots-on-goal (12-8) and corners (10-7) in the setback. Sornpao finished with six saves. Becky Contreras led the way with six shots and was one of three players to appear in every minute.
 
KSU continues intrastate action at Georgia State University on Sunday, Aug. 25 with a 7 p.m. start.

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