LEXINGTON, Ky.- The Coastal Carolina women's soccer team lost their season opener on Saturday - a 4-0 decision to Southeasten Conference opponent Kentucky on a muggy night in Lexington.
The first 26 minutes of the match were a defensive struggle before Coastal (0-1-0) gave up what would prove to be the eventual game-winning goal in the 26th minute of the contest to former Big East All-Freshman performer (at Louisville), Kelsey Hunyadi. Kentucky (1-0-0), who went through growing pains of their own last season posting a 2-7-1 mark, is in their second season under the direction of head coach Jon Lipsitz.
Both teams featured a mix of experienced upper classmen and inexperienced underclassmen throughout the contest. The Chants started five sophomores and one freshman in the first outing of the season. In all, the Chanticleer freshmen logged 254 total minutes of playing time in the first collegiate game.
Coastal had chances to score early in the game as the Chants had corner kicks in the 19th and 26th minute, unfortunately, both ended with infractions being called.
The Chants had their best shot at getting on the scoreboard in 55th minute when Christina Stern (Little Silver, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) had a clear look at the goal and fired off a shot, but UK goalie Sydney Hiance was there to haul it in.
"In the second half, our team settled in and were able too create more opportunities against a strong Kentucky team," said first year head coach Tammy DeCesare. "As our young players gain more playing experience; we plan to see more of those second half types of effort and opportunities in the near future."
Sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Barton (Jacksonville, N.C./Jacksonville/Charlotte) played all 90 minutes for the Chanticleers, earning four saves along the way. The Chants were led by freshman Hannah Brown 's (Highlands Ranch, Colo./Valor Christian) three shots, including two shots on goal. Freshmen Stern, Kate Wilkinson (Calgary, Alberta/Dr. E. P. Scarlett) and Alyssa Clark (Waxhaw, N.C./Marvin Ridge) each took one shot in their first collegiate contest.
The Chanticleers face North Carolina State on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. Live stats will be available via GoPack.com or by clicking the link on the women's soccer schedule page on GoCCUSports.com.
