April 1, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Kennesaw State picked up a pair of wins on Saturday afternoon as they defeated Middle Tennessee State (4-0) and Austin Peay (3-0) in a pair of spring season friendly matches.

In the opener against MTSU, A-Sun Player of the Year Annie Phillips scored twice, A-Sun Tournament Most Valuable Player Caitlin Dingle scored once and Kristen Marietta added a goal while Sara Clapham added a pair of assists. In the second game against Austin Peay, Marietta and Dingle scored and Clapham registered her second straight two assist game.

"Although it's only April, the players are working hard and the groundwork is being laid for our upcoming fall season," said head coach Rob King. "We've got three players now back from long term injury and the team is beginning to combine well offensively."

Kennesaw State played without two of its starters on Sunday as Maylee-Attin Johnson and Sadjr Williams are in Mexico playing for the Trinidad & Tobago National team as they participate in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier.

"Two of our top players, Sadjr (Williams) and Maylee (Attin-Johnson) are currently on International duty, playing Olympic qualifiers in Mexico," added King. "But those players who have stepped in are growing in confidence with each game."

The Owls remained undefeated in their five exhibition matches, having already defeated Georgia State, Clayton State and the Trinidad National team all by 4-0 counts.

"This spring we've really been playing well," said rising senior Dingle. "The new additions and changes to our system have really added to our offensive play and our defenders have really stepped up."

Kennesaw State will have another tune-up, against the University of Georgia in Athens on Sunday April 6, before they play the Mexico U-20 National Team on Friday, April 11 at the KSU Soccer Complex.

"We play a quality UGA team this weekend and then our national team game against Mexico the following week," commented King. "Both should be very competitive matches, but it's not about 'the wins' at the moment. The spring is about development and playing well, but the clean sheets and goals help the confidence of the younger players."

"This fall it will be about wins. We've the strongest recruiting class that we've ever had coming in, and that combined with great leadership from out seniors, bodes well for another great run."

Kennesaw State Spring Results
Owls 3, Austin Peay 0
Owls 4, Middle Tennessee State 0
Owls 4, Trinidad & Tobago National Team 0
Owls 4, Clayton State 0
Owls 4, Georgia State 0

Kennesaw State Upcoming Matches
Sunday - April 6 - at Georgia, 1:00 p.m.
Friday - April 11 - MEXICO U-20 NATIONAL TEAM, 7:00 p.m.