KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State women's soccer team ended Thursday night atop the ASUN's East division after its 2-1 win against Stetson at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
"Stetson played outstanding," said head coach Benji Walton. "They fought us tooth and nail and we were fortunate to finish more goals than they did. It feels good to be on top of the division now, but the season's not over yet. We've got to go to North Florida now and they're on a roll. We've got to lock down, go on and fight again."
The Owls opened the scoring early in the 14th minute, with Tianna Rivera firing a laser off the right post of the Stetson frame for her second goal of the season. Interchanging play between Rivera and Ebony Clarke opened up the space for the Spring 2021 ASUN All-Freshman to take the shot.
Walton on Rivera…
"That's what she's capable of. When she's playing with high energy like that, she's extremely effective. I thought tonight she gave us everything we needed from her. Great finish and just proud of the whole team for building that play up."
The Hatters would find an answer through speedy right-winger Chloe Washington, who found the back of the net with a hard shot of her own in the 30th minute.
The halftime whistle blew with both teams deadlocked, but Kennesaw State came out of the tunnel firing on all cylinders to begin the second half.
The Owls earned a free kick in the opening minute of the half, which Kendall Higgs sent into Stetson's eight-yard box.
Freshman right back Aila Swinton found herself on the end of it, barrelling it in for her first career goal.
Walton on Swinton…
"It's great to see her hard work pay off. Coming in as a freshman, she had to find herself a little bit and she has over the course of the past few weeks. She defends well and she's really growing in front of our eyes."
Stetson wouldn't make the remaining 44 minutes easy for the Owls, battling the Owls around the pitch to find an equalizer; however, the final whistle blew while the 2-1 scoreline remained.
With the KSU win and Liberty losing to North Florida in overtime, Kennesaw State enters the weekend on top of the ASUN East division.
The Owls travel to Jacksonville, Fla. to take on UNF on Sunday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.
To keep up with the latest on the Kennesaw State women's soccer team, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.
