GAMBIER, OHIO– The Kenyon College women's soccer team continued their hot streak, dominating Franciscan University in a 3-0 victory on Saturday afternoon at Mavec Field. Behind a brace from freshmen
Addison Szollosi and a relentless defensive effort, the Owls improved to 4-0-0 on the season.
Kenyon controlled possession from the opening whistle, immediately pinning the Barons deep in their own half. After a pair of early corners and several dangerous through balls from the midfield, the Owls finally broke through in the eighth minute. A low corner kick deflected off a Franciscan defender, bouncing into the box where Szollosi reacted first. With her back to goal, she spun quickly and struck the ball cleanly with her laced, rocketing it into the top left corner for a highlight-reel opener
The pressure didn't let up, and Kenyon's persistence paid off again midway through the half. In the 26th minute,
Emily Copeland cut inside from the right wing and fired a left-footed shot that was saved. Moments later,
Jenna Michel slipped a perfectly timed pass to Copeland, whose effort was blocked by a Franciscan defender. The attempted clearance ricocheted off Copeland and into the net, doubling Kenyon's lead.
The Owls stayed on the front foot after halftime, earning another corner early in the second period that nearly produced a third goal when
Margot Kuller's first-touch strike was denied. The home team finally iced the game in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a Franciscan free kick that turned into a quick counter.
Fiona Dougherty sprinted down the left wing and slipped a pass across the box to
Sadie Krueger, whose shot was saved but not secured. Szollosi pounced on the rebound to secure her brace and seal the 3-nil victory.
Kenyon's defense, anchored by goalkeeper
Ariel Kite and the back line of
Georgia Yatrakis,
Addilyn Tober,
Brooke Heis, and
Chanda Maambo, held firm to secure the team's fourth clean sheet of the season. The Owls overpowered the opposing team in the shooting game, notching 15 total shots with 11 of those on target while the Barons secured three shots on target.
The Owls will look to carry their momentum into their next battle, hosting Hiram College on Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. at Mavec Field.
