Kent State Defeats Cleveland State, 3-2, to Open 2011 Season

Sophomore Jessacca Gironda scores twice from the penalty spot, while newcomer Jaclyn Dutton also scores

 

KENT, Ohio – The Kent State women’s soccer team (1-0-0) got the 2011 season off on the right foot Friday afternoon, as the Golden Flashes came back twice from one-goal deficits for a 3-2 victory over regional foe Cleveland State at Zoeller Field.

 

Sophomore Jessacca Gironda (Akron, Ohio) started and ended Kent State’s scoring with bookend penalty kicks for her first two-goal game of her career. Gironda, who was fouled on both plays leading up to the spot kicks, converted in the 28^th and the 83^rd minutes.

 

Also scoring in the contest was sophomore newcomer Jaclyn Dutton (Bridgeport, Ohio). The transfer from Clemson scored her first goal as a member of the Golden Flashes in the 38^th minute to knot the contest at 2-2.

 

Cleveland State (0-1-0) started the game’s scoring in the 13^th minute to take the early lead and again had a one-goal advantage with a strike in the 35^th minute.

 

Kent State’s defense, despite giving up the two goals, helped set up the attack with strong challenges. In the second half, the Golden Flashes defense held Cleveland State to just six shots, with just two finding the goal frame.

 

Senior Kelly Sherwood (Strongsville, Ohio) made four saves in the contest, three in the second half.

 

The Golden Flashes are back in action at home Sunday, Aug. 21 with a 1 p.m. contest against St. Bonaventure.