KUTZTOWN, Pa. (October 8, 2011)—The Kutztown University women's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to California (Pa.) University in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) game earlier Saturday afternoon at Keystone Field.
(BOXSCORE)
The Golden Bears (9-3 overall, 7-2 PSAC) entered the contest ranked 16th in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top 25 Poll. The Vulcans (9-0-2 overall, 7-0-2 PSAC) are ranked third in the NSCAA top 25 poll.
Both KU and Cal are two of the top teams in the PSAC. Heading into the game, the Golden Bears knew that it wouldn't be an easy task. California has only allowed three goals to be scored against it this season.
Cal's Carley Work scored two goals, one in each half. Work's goals were assisted by Chelsea Norbuts and Kayla Fransko. Kelsey Russo scored the last goal in the 60th minute of the game. Work was credited with the assist.
However, the Golden Bears aren't hanging their heads. Kutztown displayed its depth and several Golden Bears saw action against the Vulcans.
“We have to keep things in perspective,” Kutztown University head coach
Erik Burstein said. “We wanted to give the kids an opportunity. We believe in every kid on this team and we feel that anyone on the team can make a difference for us. We did some really good things against Cal, although it wasn't the result we wanted, we achieved some of our goals.”
Saturday's game was also Senior Day. Fans, the members of the KU women's soccer team, and the coaching staff honored the careers of
Laura Hearn (Wall, N.J./St. Rose),
Carolynne Kahl (Bethel, PA/Tuplehocken), and
Shannon Pennock (Mansfield, N.J./Northern Burlington).
“The past four years have gone by so fast,” Hearn said. “I've grown so much as a person and I can only thank the people that I've played with the past four years. The coaches really care so much about us and it means a lot to have people stick by your side.”
“This has been a really good learning experience,” Kahl said. “I've had my ups and my downs but I know that I can get through anything after this.”
“If I could leave any advice to my teammates it would be to stay strong and stay positive,” Pennock said. “It's a long journey and everyone has their highs and lows but being able to conquer and preform for your team is a rewarding feeling.”
The trio has played an important part in Kutztown's success. The group is Burstein's second recruiting class in his time as KU's head coach.
“These young ladies have been tremendous for the program,” Burstein said. “They've helped establish the program and make it one of the best in the country. They are directly responsible for where our program is now, where it has been, and where it's going in the future. The impact that Shannon, Laura, and Carolynne have left is massive and significant.”
The Golden Bears return to action when they host East Stroudsburg University for a PSAC game on Tuesday, Oct.11 at 3 p.m. at Keystone Field.
