KENNESAW, Ga. – Becky Contreras scored the golden goal in double overtime to propel Kennesaw State past FGCU at the ASUN Conference semifinals Thursday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The match's only score occurred in the 102nd minute on the sophomore's header following a corner kick from Kathryn Schreck to place the Owls in Saturday's conference title bout with Liberty University.
The Owls (8-7-0, 5-3-0 ASUN) and Eagles (7-3-2, 4-2-0) met once again in the semifinal round, and yet again the Black and Gold prevailed in a classic, 1-0.
"I couldn't be more proud of how our team fights tooth and nail. All year we've been playing the same team twice in the conference," said head coach Benji Walton. "Now in the postseason new play a new team, a perennial powerhouse in the conference. Our team grew into the game and stuck within themselves."
Contreras found the back of the net for the second time this spring, and in as many games. She led the attack with nine shots and an impressive seven on goal, both season-highs.
"We've been practicing corners all week. I got lucky that it came to me. It feels amazing to win and move on to the finals," said Contreras.
KSU launched a season-high 23 shots and had nine on goal. Senior Erin Harris had seven shots.
"Our bench came in and changed the game. Jenna Vollrath, Kameron Downs, Haley Dekker, Sydney Borgelt, Kendall Hart and so many others came in and calmed things down for us," said Walton.
Goalkeeper Dylan Pixton (7-6) earned her fifth clean sheet with numerous jaw-dropping stops. FGCU rattled off 16 shots, but Pixton built a fortress in goal with six saves.
With the win, KSU plays for the ASUN crown for the second consecutive season, and aims for its third postseason title and first since 2009. The Owls play Liberty Saturday for a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The squads have split 1-0 decisions this season with the road team coming out on top.
"We want to stay in the moment. Liberty is a tough team to play. They don't give up goals and are extremely organized," said Walton. "You have to play a full 90 minutes against them. We're going to focus on staying in the moment and not getting ahead of ourselves."
The championship match is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+. Click here for tickets.
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.
