With the win WKU moves to 1-0-0 in Conference USA play and earns three points in the standings. Georgia Liapis led WKU with a goal and three shots on goal in 84 minutes of action. Torrie Grant-Clavijo led the team in total shots with 4 on the day.
HOW IT HAPPENED
WKU controlled possession at the start, forcing the Owls back. Kora Kipley got the first shot of the afternoon off in the second minute of the match. At the 12 minute mark Alyvia Walls got the best look for WKU at that point, with her shot hitting the crossbar.
WKU managed to break through in the 28th minute as Danielle Lewin fed Liapis for her fifth goal of the season to give WKU a 1-0 lead. The Hilltoppers would maintain the 1-0 lead at the halftime break.
In the first half WKU managed six shots compared to just one for Kennesaw State. Torrie Grant-Clavijo led WKU with two shots on goal in the first frame.
To start the second half Kennesaw State's goalkeeper was given a red card and the Owls would play a man down the remainder of the match. Kennesaw State would even the score in the 63rd minute.
Then in the 68th minute, WKU's Maggie Bellair managed a cross and Kennesaw State knocked it in the goal in defense and WKU took a 2-1 lead. The Hilltoppers maintained the lead for the final 11 minutes of the match, earning their first CUSA win of the season.
NOTABLES
- With the win WKU improves to 4-4-1 and 1-0-0 in CUSA play. WKU is one of four teams at the top of the league, earning three points in the win.
- Georgia Liapis led WKU with three shots on goal Sunday afternoon.
- Liapis scored in the 28th minute, marking her fifth goal of the season.
- Danielle Lewin assisted Liapis on the goal, marking the first for Lewin this season.
- Torrie Grant-Clavijo charted four shots with three on goal in 59 minutes of action.
- Maddie Davis played the full 90 in goal for WKU, charting two saves with one goal allowed.
- Davis is now at 144 saves in her career and stands alone as fourth all-time in WKU Soccer history.
- Three Hilltoppers played the full 90 minutes for WKU in Davis, Alyvia Walls, and Abby Wiedermann.
- Wiedermann has played the full 90 in seven matches this season. Sunday afternoon marked the fourth straight for the sophomore. Wiedermann has played a total of 697 minutes this season.
- Following Sunday afternoon, Liapis leads the team with 24 total shots and 11 on goal for the season.
- Liapis' five goals this season are the most for anyone on the team. Liapis is currently the fourth leading scorer in CUSA.
- WKU charted 19 shots on Sunday afternoon which marked the third most of the season for the Hilltoppers.
- Sunday's match marked the first ever win for WKU over Kennesaw State. The Owls joined the league in the summer of 2024.
- The all-time series mark between the Tops and Owls stands at 1-0-1.
QUOTABLE
On the result head coach Jason Neidell said "Getting three points today and starting conference play 1-0 was incredibly important to us after the year we had last year and the commitment of our players for what we're trying to do this year. I think getting the win today speaks volumes about the dedication and passion they are bringing to the program and it was really important to get off to a good start."
FULL PRESSER
NEXT UP
The Hilltoppers continue the CUSA slate hosting rival Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 27. Kick-off from the WKU Soccer Complex is set for 6 p.m. CT.
Follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Soccer, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program via social media @WKU_Soccer on X and Instagram and @WKUSoccer on Facebook.
