By: Ryan Henry
Follow KSU Soccer - X / Instagram
KENNESAW, Ga. – With the first win of the season against Alabama State in the books, Kennesaw State women's soccer will now shift its focus to Western Kentucky in its CUSA opener.
The Owls are coming off a seven-goal performance – tied for the fourth-best mark in program history.
Aly Bryan made her 50
th career start, adding a goal, while
Ava Bradford,
Caroline Shaw and
Sydni Whitehead all scored their first career goals for the Black and Gold.
In KSU's inaugural season in Conference USA, they finished in seventh place with a conference record of 2-4-3.
50 for Aly
Senior midfielder and team captain
Aly Bryan made her 50
th career start on Wednesday against Alabama State (9/17). She celebrated the occasion by scoring her first goal of the season – her third overall.
History at Fifth Third Stadium
The Black and Gold erupted for seven goals in their match against Alabama State (9/17) – the most since 2016.
Rebecca Womer had a brace while
Ava Bradford,
Caroline Shaw and
Sydni Whitehead all scored for the first time as an Owl.
Aly Bryan tallied a goal in her 50
th start with the program and
Raelyn Prince scored off a free kick.
Shutdown Sara
Sara Hill has started the last four matches for the Black and Gold, conceding two goals during that time. The freshman recorded two clean sheets against Tennessee Tech (9/7) and Georgia Southern (9/10). She ranks second in Conference USA in save percentage (0.875) and third in goals-against-average at 0.69.
New Name, Same Feel
On August 19, Kennesaw State announced that the field at Fifth Third Stadium, home of the Owls' football, soccer and lacrosse programs, will be named Walens Family Field in recognition of a transformative $4 million philanthropic gift from Dave and Donna Walens.
CUSA Preseason Poll
Kennesaw State was picked to finish eighth in the Conference USA coaches' preseason poll, tallying 47 total points. The Black and Gold finished seventh in their inaugural CUSA season with a conference record of 2-4-3. The conference expanded to 12 teams following the additions of Missouri State and Delaware, who were predicting to finish third and seventh respectively. Liberty tops the poll with 119 points and nine first-place votes.
Scouting the Hilltoppers
The Hilltoppers were picked to finish one spot behind KSU in the CUSA preseason poll (ninth) but currently sit seventh at 3-4-1.
Junior Georgia Liapis has established herself as one of the top goal scorers in the conference with her four scores. Camryn Davis sits right behind her with three. Defender Abby Widermann leads the team in minutes played (607), having received CUSA Defender of the Week honors back on Aug. 26.
In net, reigning CUSA Goalkeeeper of the Year Maddie Davis has reacclimated herself after missing four of the first five matches. The Waterloo, Ill. native is fourth in the conference in goals-against-average (0.889) and save percentage (0.826).
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Join The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
