Bracket | Photos
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State left it all on the pitch but fell on a penalty kick in the 100th minute to Liberty, 1-0, in the ASUN Conference championship Saturday at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
"I'm proud of how we fought all year long. It's been a tough year, but they kept fighting," said head coach Benji Walton. "They grew so much this season. It takes time to find a rhythm. We played a tough schedule, and it's a tough pill to swallow sometimes, but it does prepare you."
McKinley Burkett scored just past the outstretched Dylan Pixton on the golden goal in overtime.
The Owls (8-8-0) and Flames (7-5-5) traded attempts throughout regulation and through most of the overtime period. KSU totaled 14 shots and four on goal, while Liberty had 16 shots and six on target. Individually, Becky Contreras led KSU with four shots, Erin Harris had three, and Sydney Sauer, Kendall Higgs, and Tianna Rivera each had a pair of attempts.
Pixton (7-7) had five saves and Liberty's Melody Jayroe totaled four.
"I'm thrilled with how we made a run here at the end against tough opponents. I'm thrilled that we got here two years in a row," said Walton. "It's disappointing obviously to not win it, but I'm proud of our group."
Contreras, Pixton, and Kathryn Schreck were named to the ASUN all-tournament team following the match. The underclassmen benefit from an outstanding senior class that posted a four-year record of 39-28-7.
"There is always going to be a special place for this senior group. They were my first full class when I was hired at Kennesaw State. For them to come in, buy in, and do all they could to make this program successful means so much," said Walton. "They've grown leaps and bounds. It's a great group of girls and I appreciate the impact they've made on our program."
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