Kennedy Notches First Career Goal In 1-0 Win Over Detroit

Thursday, September 1

Bowling Green, Ohio

7:00 p.m.

Bowling Green State University

3-2

Detroit

1-3

Detroit Mercy

Bowling Green

Photo by: Larry Clapper

September 01, 2016 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: Jenna Jorgensen (Assistant Director of Athletic Communications)

Box Score
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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Bowling Green women's soccer team (3-2) rounded out a five match home stand by hosting Detroit (1-3) Thursday evening. In the 1-0 Falcon victory, freshman defender Maureen Kennedy notched her first career goal early in the second half to steady the pace for the remainder of the match.

The first half presented physical play between the pair of non-conference opponents, despite the Falcons tallying just four fouls to the Titans three. It wasn't until just under two minutes of play remained in the first half until the first scoring opportunity offered itself, as a combination pass from Erica Hubert and Skylar Fleak set up a shot for Alexa Cheripko. Cheripko was downed by a Titans defender about six yards out, but the play created Falcon momentum leading into the second half.

"I think we really scrapped and grinded for a win tonight," Bowling Green women's soccer head coach Lindsay Basalyga said. "Great opportunities on goal and big saves shift momentum, and I think on both sides of the game it was a little flat up until that chance, and it gave us some momentum heading into halftime."

It was then early in the second half that Kennedy decided the match with the game winner, by heading in a ball into the back right corner of the net for her first career goal. Kennedy's 51st minute strike also steadied the Falcons' offensive pressure for the remainder of the match.

With 30 minutes remaining, another scoring opportunity came when junior Madison Schupbach passed the ball to sophomore Morgan Abbitt, who jumped for a dramatic kick. The action then continued as Kennedy had another opportunity to stretch the Falcons lead with just under 10 minutes remaining, as she took a free kick that went on net.

Shortly thereafter, Hubert dodged a Detroit defender with 6:48 remaining to keep the pressure on by tallying one of her three shots on goal, prior to hitting the post with just three minutes on the clock, holding down the Falcons offense until the conclusion of the match.

"I think we're learning how to win and heading into our fourth year, it's been a process," Coach Basalyga added. "Over the last four games I think we have found ourselves in some really special moments and eventually some of those moments are going to find their way in … We really want to celebrate that we are getting some really good looks."

In the backfield, redshirt senior goalkeeper Lauren Cadel earned her third shutout of the season and eighth in her career as she stopped three shots on goal. The Titans ultimately marked seven attempted shots, although Bowling Green attempted 14, with seven landing on net.

Up next, the Falcons will hit the road for the first time this season, as they travel to Annapolis, Md. for the Navy Invitational. Bowling Green will face Towson for the first time in program history on Sept. 9, followed by host Navy on Sept. 11.