The Kent State soccer team kicked off Mid-American Conference play with a commanding 4-0 victory over Ohio on Friday at Kent State Soccer Field.

The Flashes were able to score early and often, as they scored a season-high in goals and had 12 shots on net.

“We really needed this,” sophomore forward L.A. Thoma said. “I think we had something to prove to all the MAC teams because we were ranked pretty low this year so they weren’t expecting much out of us.”

Kent State took the lead at the 17:33 mark with a header from junior midfielder Jackie Barath off an assist from sophomore forward Kelly Heaton. Thoma would quickly add to the lead with a goal at the 24:37 mark.

The Flashes continued to play aggressive in the second half, as sophomore forward Josee Charron scored at the 52:14 mark and Thoma added another goal at the 60:16 mark.

The Flashes outshot Ohio 21-10, and freshman Kelly Sherwood recorded six saves in the win.

“(The players) are showing a lot of fight right now,” Kent State coach Rob Marinaro said. “We just need to capitalize on that and keep it going and just make sure our level doesn’t slip and make sure we come out Sunday with the same intensity.”

The win improves Kent State’s all-time record against Ohio to 4-10-1.

The Flashes will continue conference play at 1 p.m. Sunday against Akron at the Kent State Soccer Field. The Zips defeated Buffalo 2-1 Friday.

Contact sports reporter Nick Walton at [email protected].