April 7, 2008

ATHENS, Ga. - Yasha Blount scored to put the Owls ahead and Caitlin Dingle fired home the game winner against her former team as Kennesaw State downed Georgia, 2-1, in a spring exhibition match on Sunday afternoon.

"It is very pleasing to get a road win like this over our in-state rivals," said head coach Rob King. "UGA finished the fall season ranked 18th nationally, so for us to come away with the victory, is a very satisfying feeling."

The Owls, who are a perfect 6-0 this spring, drew first blood with Blount's goal in the 17th minute. After KSU pressuring the Bulldogs into a turnover deep in their half, Blount received a through ball and blasted a shot past UGA goalkeeper, Michelle Betos, to give the Black and Gold an early 1-0 lead.

Georgia found the equalizer six minutes from halftime when Caroline Simpson headed home a corner kick from Leslie McConnell to send the teams into the break tied 1-1.

"We're trying to play a new system this spring," added King. "Although we scored first, we looked a little shaky in the first half."

The second half started out with both teams holding their fair share of the possession. The Owls, however, had the better share of the chances, firing a ball of the post and a couple others that very easily could have found the back of the net.

But as she did last season, Dingle came up clutch and sent Kennesaw State home victorious when her shot from close range went past a diving Betos. The Owls worked out of the back and found Kristin Marietta down the left side of the field. After beating her defender, Marietta played a left-footed ball across the mouth of the goal where Dingle ran in and smashed it home.

"In the second half, we created some great chances and hit the post on one occasion," commented King.

"For a spring game, it was a very competitive match. We have a lot of respect for and enjoy a good friendship with coach Patrick Baker and his coaching staff, but this is becoming a game that the local girls don't want to lose."

The Owls will return to the field on Friday night, April 11, when they play host to the Mexico U-20 National Team in the Get Global Challenge. Admission to the match is $14 and tickets can be purchased by visiting www.ksuowls.com. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the KSU Soccer Complex.