KENNESAW, Ga. — It wasn't easy, as making history rarely is.
On Sunday at Fifth Third Stadium at Walens, the Bellarmine University women's soccer team grinded out a historic 1-0 victory over Kennesaw State, in the process setting new Division I-era program records for total wins and unbeaten streak.
In the first season under head coach
Steve Bornhoffer, Bellarmine (6-0-2) captured its sixth win, breaking the previous D1-era mark of five recorded last season. The Knights additionally extended their unbeaten streak to eight, surpassing the seven-game run of the 2021 squad that also opened the season.
On top of that, Bellarmine defeated former ASUN rival Kennesaw State (0-5-3) for the first time in the D1 era. The Owls, now of Conference USA, entered 5-0-1 against the Knights in that span.
All five of Kennesaw State's aforementioned wins against Bellarmine in the D1 era were by one goal. The Knights turned the tables in the latest showdown, with senior forward
Lucy von Stefenelli sinking a penalty kick in the 65th minute to account for the contest's lone goal.
Two of von Stefenelli's three goals this season have been game-winners. The one against Kennesaw State came after sophomore forward
McKenzie Carle was fouled inside the box.
In some ways, this victory for Bellarmine fit snugly in the "better to be lucky than good" category. Kennesaw State had one goal overturned after a replay review due to offsides, and the Owls saw three shots carom off the crossbar. In addition, KSU finished with a 22-13 advantage in attempts, although it was only a 4-3 edge on goal because the Owls' three shots off the pipes are classified statistically as off-target.
Bellarmine's team defense was further tested after playing a man down over the last 25 minutes. Through the adversity, the Knights buckled in and posted their fourth shutout, with redshirt freshman goalkeeper
Anna Jenkins corralling four saves along the way.
Bellarmine opens ASUN play at 7 p.m. (ET) Thursday at Austin Peay.
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