KENT, Ohio – Ohio Soccer ran into a high-flying Kent State offense to conclude the 2012 regular season on Thursday afternoon, falling by a final score of 3-0. Due to various results around the league on the final day of competition, the Bobcats qualified for the Mid-American Conference Tournament for the fourth straight season.

With Thursday’s results, Ohio claimed the No. 8 spot in the upcoming MAC Tournament. The Bobcats will play at No. 1 Miami on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Kent State (12-4-2, 7-3-1 MAC) outshot Ohio by a 21-7 mark. Junior goalkeeper Mattie Liston (Lakewood, Ohio) made six saves for the Bobcats in the loss. She is now only five stops away from becoming Ohio’s all-time leader in goalkeeper saves.

Lauren Haley and Liz Finley (Mason, Ohio) led the way offensively for the Bobcats, each firing one shot on goal.

The Golden Flashes got off to a fast start, scoring in the second minute of the match. Sara Henderson received a pass from Jessacca Gironda just inside of the 18-yard box and hit a one-time shot past Liston to make it 1-0. The goal was Henderson’s second of the season.

Kent State was able to double its advantage 14 minutes later, making it 2-0 when Morgan Mah found the back of the net with a well-taken free kick from 25 yards away.

The Bobcats registered their first shot on goal in the 44th minute of the match. Haley (Charlestown, Ind.) fired a shot towards the target but Stephanie Senn was ready and made the save to keep her team’s advantage at two goals.

Kent State was then able to add to its advantage in the second half, finding the net for a third time in the 53rd minute. Briana Bartolone scored via a header from eight yards out and was assisted by Mariah Sidwell.

The Bobcats (8-9-1, 3-6-1 MAC) stepped up their offensive pressure in the final moments of the match, recording two shots in the final 11 minutes.

Ohio Starting XI (Numerically): Liston (GK), Murnane, Rogers, Howard, Feeney, Rock, Schwenke, Bechtel, Harris, Hausfeld, Campbell

Goals:
Kent State – Sara Henderson 2 (Jessacca Gironda 3, Madison Helterbran 2) 2’
Kent State – Morgan Mah 2 (Unassisted – free kick) 16’
Kent State – Briana Bartolone 2 (Mariah Sidwell 1) 53’

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