KENNESAW, Ga. – Kendall Higgs and Stella Allen both scored as the Owls posted a clean sheet to take down Georgia Southern 2-0 on Senior Day on Sunday.
KSU improved to 3-1-1 all-time against Georgia Southern and ended the non-conference slate with a big win going into conference play next Sunday.
"It was huge," said head coach Benji Walton. "We played a very tough non-conference schedule by design. There are moments where you go through tough results and think is this is going to work for us. We all knew it could it was just a matter of us responding to the adversity. At Tennessee, I thought we played really well and showcased who we really were. I just asked the players to build on that going into this game. It's a huge confidence boost heading into conference play and that's what matters the most. Georgia Southern is an outstanding squad so we are going to take this result and run with it. It feels good to win one. We just have to stay hungry and continue to get better."
In her third career start, Allanah Blye finished with seven saves and posted her first clean sheet. The 2-0 shutout was the first for the Owls since a 1-0 win over Bellarmine on Oct. 31, 2021, in the ASUN Conference Tournament.
"It was a huge step up for Allanah, being a freshman," added Walton. "She's grown a ton. We have such a talented group at goalkeeper and all four are very talented kids. Allanah has done really well with her opportunities, and she really stepped up today in some huge moments."
In the 33rd minute, Addison Neel drew a foul in the box and KSU was awarded a penalty kick. Kendall Higgs stepped up and connected on the PK to give the Owls a 1-0 lead.
KSU put the match out of reach in the 87th minute after Tianna Rivera set up Stella Allen with a great pass and Allen knocked it through the back of the net for her third career goal. Allen leads the squad with three goals on just five shots this season.
"That's kind of her role. She's always scored goals wherever she's played coming in. So, we know she has a finishing touch. When she gets in the right spot, she can put it away and that's a real talent, it's not easy to do. Stella is a technical, smart kid and she makes the most of her opportunities."
Next Match
The Owls begin ASUN play at Jacksonville State next Sunday at 2 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.
