(Dover, Del.) – Sunday afternoon, the Delaware State women’s soccer team (0-1) came up short in its first match of the season, by way of a 4-0 loss to the visiting Temple Owls (2-0).  

In the first period, the Hornets were able to keep the contest scoreless until the 20th minute when Temple’s Kelly Farrell (1) found defender Kaylee Harner (1) on the left wing in DSU territory.  With a DSU defender closing, Harner put the ball out of goalkeeper Katelyn Koslosky’s (0-1) reach for the goal. Defender Paula Jurewicz (1) was also credited with an assist.

At the half, the Owls were the aggressor throughout by tallying 11 shots, compared to the Hornets’ lone and only shot of the game, which came off the foot of defenderDanielle Valente. 

In the second half, meanwhile, Delaware State’s best scoring opportunity came during the 59th minute when midfielder Julia Bossert capitalized on a Temple turnover around midfield line along the right wing in Owl territory. 

Dribbling with two defenders trailing, Bossert centered a pass to a streaking Taylor Addison in the front of the net, but it was too strong as the ball went out of bounds. 

The ensuing possession, goalkeeper Shauni Kerkhoff (1) placed a goal-kick inside DSU territory, as forward Kelly Farrell (1) was able gain to control for Temple.  With no defender in sight, Farrell fired it past Koslosky to give her squad a 2-0 lead.

As the second period continued, Temple increased its lead to three during the 77th minute when defender Alyssa Kirk(1) dribbled about 50 yards and put it past Koslosky for the goal. Kerkhoff (2) and defender Taylor Trusky (1) were credited the assists.

About four minutes later, after a foul by DSU right outside of its own goalie box along the left wing, the Owls put the game out of reach when midfielder Clara Guenter (1) scored off the free kick.

At game’s end, Temple finished with 19 shots, while Kerkhoff (2-0) finished one save playing all 90 minutes.  As for her counterpart, Koslosky collected four saves, which all came in the first half.

Coming up next for the Hornets will be their final exhibition match of the season, this time against the visiting Goldey-Beacom Lightning this Friday at 7 p.m.  

Two days later at 1 p.m., the Hornets will jump back into regular season action to take on the Bryant Bulldogs at Alumni Stadium.