KENT, Ohio – Cleveland State (0-1-0) opened the 2026 campaign with a 3-0 loss at Kent State (1-0-0) on Thursday evening.
Kent State took a 1-0 advantage into the intermission despite the Vikings holding a 6-4 advantage in shots. The Golden Flashes netted the lone goal in the 30th minute on a corner kick.
True Benshoff had three shots in the opening half with two of those on frame.
The Golden Flashes doubled the margin in the 67th minute with a goal to the far post from the top of the box. Kent State capped off the 3-0 victory in the 88th minute off a long through ball.
Kent State held a 14-10 advantage in shots while each team had six shots on goal. Six Vikings recorded a shot in the game, led by Benshoff with three.
Hayleigh Lewis accumulated three saves in goal.
The Vikings remain on the road to take on EKU on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 1 p.m.
