LAS CRUCES, N.M. – As the final month of the regular season rolls on, the Aggies are back at home for a matchup with Conference USA newcomer Kennesaw State from the NM State Soccer Complex on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Noon MT.   
 
How to Follow 
Who: Kennesaw State Owls (2-7-4, 1-1-3 CUSA)
Where: Las Cruces, N.M | NM State Soccer Complex
When: Sunday, Oct. 13, Noon MT 
Live Statistics: nmstatestats.com 
Stream: ESPN+
 
Conference USA Play 
In 2023, the Aggies made a strong first impression in Conference USA. NM State put together a 6-0-2 record in league play en route to a regular-season CUSA championship. The 2023 Aggie squad produced just the 10^th undefeated regular season in CUSA history and were the first to do so in their inaugural year in the conference.

This season, the Aggies have put together a 2-2-1 record, most recently rallying late to earn a draw in a road matchup with the Liberty Flames. This will be the first CUSA home game for the Aggies since Sept. 26 and Sept. 29 against Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee – both wins for the Crimson & White. NM State now stands at 4-0-2 all-time in home CUSA contests.
 
Aggie Accolades  
Ahead of the 2024 campaign, a trio of Aggies were named to the CUSA All-Preseason Team, including reigning CUSA Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year Loma McNeese, reigning CUSA Defensive Player of the Year Xitlaly Hernandez and 2023 Second Team All-CUSA selection Ariana Leamons.

In 2024, the Aggies have won six Conference USA Weekly Awards. In total they have tallied 11 CUSA Weekly Awards since joining the conference on July 1, 2023. The Aggies won two Player of the Week awards on Sept. 17^th, when junior Jena Johannes and redshirt sophomore Valerie Guha were tabbed CUSA Defensive player of the week and Goalkeeper of the week, respectively.

Most recently, defender Jena Johannes was tabbed Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 1) for the second time this season following a pair of wins over Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.  
 
McNeese Magic 
Scoring her fifth goal of the season in the 29^th minute of a 2-1 victory over Western Kentucky on Sept. 26, graduate forward Loma McNeese became NM State's all-time leader in points with 63, beating out Aileen Galicia who played for the Crimson & White from 2015-2018. Taking home the 2023 CUSA Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year awards, McNeese is putting together another strong season, tallying five goals and a pair of assists for 12 points throughout the season.

The Sherwood, Ore., native has played a large role in NM State's success as of late, scoring or assisting in four of the last six contests she has played in. McNeese missed the first game of her collegiate career on Sept. 29, as the Aggies defeated CUSA foe Middle Tennessee 1-0.

In her career, McNeese also ranks among the program's best in game-winning goals (7, tied for first), PK goals (2, tied for second) and multi-goal games (2, tied for second) and goals (24, second).
 
VAL-ient Effort
Since taking over the starting goalkeeper role in 2023, redshirt sophomore Valerie Guha has been a force for the Aggies in the net. On Sept. 29, Guha posted her second shutout of the season in a win over Middle Tennessee – tied for second most in CUSA this season, and the eighth clean sheet of her career.

In her career, Guha ranks second among Aggie goalkeepers in wins (15), third in GAA (1.41) and seventh in all-time saves (102).
 
Phreshman Phenoms
 Throughout his tenure with the Aggies, NM State Head Coach Rob Baarts has utilized the recruiting trail well to set his program for success. 2024 has proven to be no different, as a trio of true freshman have turned into consistent contributors.

Midfielder Andrea Alvarenga has worked herself into an increased role tallying one goal, one assist and five shots in 250 minutes over the past five games. Defender Ariana Ellison has played in all 14 NM State contests, making ten starts while totaling 881 minutes – the seventh most on the team and best among freshmen. Forward Milana Eyrich has suited up in all 14 NM State contests, earning her first collegiate start on Sept. 8 against UC Davis. On Sunday, the Sahuarita, Ariz., native recorded her first goal with the Crimson & White, recording the late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against Liberty.
 
History 
This will be the first meeting between the Aggies and Owls on the pitch. Kennesaw State began their women's soccer program in 2002, while the Aggies first played in 2009.
 
Scouting the Owls
The Owls are led by first-year head coach Chris Cahill, who spent the 2023 season as the Owls' associate head coach after previously spending more than a decade as associate head coach at fellow CUSA program Middle Tennessee State.

This season, KSU holds a 2-7-4 record overall, with a 1-1-3 mark in Conference USA action. During the nonconference slate, the Owls' lone win came in their final game ahead of conference action, a 1-0 home victory over Jackson State.

Graduate forward Tianna Rivera shines offensively for the Owls, leading the team in goals (5), assists (2), points (12), shots (27) and shots on goal (15). In conference play, the Miami native has netted four goals on just five shots, each coming in KSU's last three contests.

Redshirt sophomore commands the net for the Owls, tallying nine starts and 718 minutes played on the season, recording 46 saves with a 1.63 GAA to go along with a pair of shutouts.
On the season, Kennesaw State has allowed 25 goals (1.94 GAA), while recording 10 goals and seven assists.
 
Up Next 
The Aggies will stay in Las Cruces for another home contest on Saturday, Oct. 19 against Jacksonville State. This will serve as Senior Night, with first kick slated for 7:00 p.m. MT. For complete coverage of NM State Women's Soccer, visit NMStateSports.com - the official home of Aggie athletics – and follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWSOC), Instagram (@nmstatewsoc) and like us on Facebook (NM State Women's Soccer).