Sept. 21 in Youngstown, the women’s soccer team had their first multi goal game of the season, scoring 4 goals in a 4-2 win against the Youngstown State Penguins. The Flashes improve to a record of 2-4-1. 

With scoring being a problem throughout non-conference play, Kent State had their best offensive showcase over an in-region opponent during their game against Youngstown State. A goal by junior forward Cameron Shedenhelm in the beginning of the first half was followed by freshman forward Grace Wolber’s first collegiate goal to give Kent State a 2-0 lead. 

“It was really important in our last conference game to put goals in the back of the net,” Shedenhelm said. “This whole week we focused on scoring, and we started out strong.”

Shedenhelm would add on to the Flashes lead with a goal in the beginning of the second half off an assist from junior midfielder Vital Kats. Junior Maddie Holmes followed soon after scoring off a penalty kick. 

The Flashes allowed goals from Youngstown freshman Abriana Rondin and freshman Lily Welch in the second half. 

After the win, Shedenhelm added that the team needs to improve on not letting their guard down, especially with MAC about to begin. 

“I think as a whole we started to drop at the end, and we can’t do that in MAC play,” Shedenhelm said. “It’s a good lesson for us to learn right before it starts.” 

Coach Rob Marinaro was pleased with his teams performance and grit. 

“I think we came out with some strong energy, and we pressed really hard,” Marinaro said. “We created a lot of turnovers in their offensive third so that created a lot of opportunities for ourselves. Everybody contributed, we created a lot of opportunities and scored some really nice goals.”

He piggybacked on Shedenhelm’s observation of letting their guard down near the end of the game. 

“We let down a little bit once we went up 4-0, we need to finish off strong. Unfortunately it was the first time this season we’ve had a lead like that and we need to learn to manage the momentum.” 

Kent State travels to Kalamazoo, Michigan next Friday to begin MAC play against Western Michigan (2-5).

Contact Dante Centofanti at [email protected]