By: Zac Pike
Kennesaw State (7-8-3), (5-3-2) vs. EKU (8-6-2), (4-4-2)
Location: Lynchburg, Va. | Osborne Stadium
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Live Stats | Video
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State travels to Lynchburg, Va., Thursday to take on No. 5 seed Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. in the ASUN Conference Quarterfinals. The Owls have won six straight openers in the conference tournament dating back to the 2016 season.
KSU enters the match as the No. 4 seed and is on a four-game unbeaten streak, outscoring opponents 10-2 over the stretch. The Owls scored a season-high six goals in the regular season finale against Stetson. KSU and EKU met just two weeks ago on the pitch, with the Owls blanking the Colonels 2-0 on Oct. 13.
When it Rains it Pours
Macie Rainwater was named the ASUN POTW after scoring a brace in a 6-1 victory over Stetson Sunday. Rainwater's two-goal performance was her first game with multiple goals since scoring a hat trick against Central Arkansas last season in the ASUN Conference Tournament. This is the second ASUN POTW in a row for the Owls and the first of Rainwater's career, as Tianna Rivera claimed the honor last week. The sophomore collected her 10th and 11th this past week. The forward leads the Owls in goals (4), points (9), shots (31) and shots-on-goal (14).
KSU's Offensive Surge
The KSU offense has scored 10 goals during its four-game unbeaten streak, including a season-high six goals in a 6-1 win over Stetson Sunday. That was the first time the Owls have scored at least six goals since an 8-0 win vs. Alabama A&M on Aug. 28, 2016, and the first time in ASUN play since a 6-1 victory over NJIT on Oct. 3, 2015.
Owls Look to Break Through in Postseason
Kennesaw State is looking to break through this postseason after making three straight appearances in the ASUN Championship game but falling just short on each occasion. KSU lost twice to Lipscomb on PKs and dropped a 1-0 match against Liberty in the spring of 2021 finals. The Owls are looking for their first ASUN Conference Tournament Championship since 2009.
Allanah Blye Continues Strong Play in Net
The freshman goalkeeper continues to have an excellent year for the Owls. Blye leads the conference in saves per game (6.69), which ranks 12th nationally and total saves (87), good for 25th in the country. The Duncan, S.C. native also boasts a .853 save percentage, placing her third in the ASUN and 23rd nationally. Blye has five clean sheets on the season in just 13 starts and broke the program for most saves in a game with 16 earlier this season against Liberty.
KSU's Stout Defense in Conference Play
The Kennesaw State defense and Blye showcased a strong defense in ASUN action this season. KSU gave up nine goals in 10 games and posted four clean sheets against Jacksonville State, Jacksonville, Eastern Kentucky and North Florida.
Tianna Rivera's Scoring Flurry
Rivera won last week's ASUN Player of the Week award after scoring in back-to-back games against Eastern Kentucky and Bellarmine. The forward continued her hot streak scoring her third goal of the season and third in four games in the 6-1 victory over Stetson.
Next Match
The winner of the No. 4 KSU/No. 5 EKU match will take on the winner of No. 1 Liberty/No. 8 Jacksonville Sunday at 1 p.m. in Lynchburg, Va.
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.
