GALLOWAY, NJ (August 29, 2025)— A closeknit matchup saw the score deadlocked at one headed into the final 10 minutes of play, but a goal in the 81^st minute proved to be the difference maker as King's College women's soccer could not respond in time, falling 2-1 to Kean University at Stockton University on Friday afternoon. The Monarchs (0-1-0) put pressure on the Cougars (1-0-0) early in the first half, but were held to no shots in the second half and could not find opportunities to cash in.

King's kicked off the season opener with a bang as senior forward Jenna Waldbillig gave the Monarchs a 1-0 lead at the 1:34 mark. After receiving a pass from midfield, Waldbillig split defenders and sent a shot past the Kean goalkeeper to give King's the lead in the first two minutes.

Maya Parker had a chance just five minutes later to extend the lead to 2-0. She sent a low running shot through the box that was saved and taken away by the Kean keeper.

Kean had some chances to tie the game in the first half, but sophomore Courtney Monard had other plans as she collected three saves in the first frame to deny the Cougars of a tie headed into halftime.

In the second half, the Cougars did their best King's impression, scoring quickly to tie the game at one apiece off a corner kick in the 48^th minute. Despite not many corners in the game, the Cougars won that battle, taking four to the Monarchs one.

Monard picked up another two saves in the second half before the game-winner in the 81^st minute, one coming just fifteen seconds before Kean scored. The sophomore goalkeeper finished the night with five saves in her fifth career start.

Waldbillig and Parker led King's in shots with one each while the goal for Waldbillig is the eighth of her career.

King's women's soccer will waste no time getting back onto the pitch as they will face off against Stockton University in the second game of the Stockton Tournament on Saturday, August 30^th at 4:00 PM in G. Larry James Stadium.