Spring Arbor, MI – The Aquinas women's soccer team kicked off the 2025 season in style, earning a gritty 1–0 victory over Campbellsville (KY) University at Spring Arbor University. Despite battling through a string of early-season injuries, the Saints showed toughness and resilience to secure head coach Jenna Smith's first career varsity win.

Aquinas 1, Campbellsville 0

Graduate student Kiersen Korienek provided the difference-maker late in the first half. With just under 14 minutes remaining, Korienek fired a shot that forced a save from Campbellsville keeper Milly Shakespeare. Pouncing on the rebound, she calmly slotted the ball into the right corner of the net to give Aquinas the decisive lead.

On the defensive end, senior goalkeeper Kayla Shuk was outstanding, recording five saves to notch the shutout. She was supported by a rock-solid back line of Catherine Hoff, Camille Berko, Abby Kramer, and Emily Gignac, who repeatedly turned away Tiger scoring threats and kept the Saints in control throughout. In the closing 15 minutes, Aquinas dictated possession and closed the door on any Campbellsville comeback attempt.

The victory not only marked Smith's first as a collegiate head coach but also extended Aquinas' dominance in the series — the Saints have now won four straight against Campbellsville, conceding just two goals in that span.

Inside the Numbers

• Kayla Shuk recorded five saves in the clean sheet.
• The match was physical, with 22 combined fouls (Aquinas 10, Campbellsville 12) and three yellow cards.
• All three Aquinas corner kicks came in the second half.
• Campbellsville held a 15–9 edge in shots, including 8–4 in the first half.

Coaches' Comments

Head Coach Jenna Smith on her team's performance: "We had a game plan and I think they stuck to it. We're still a bit raw and trying to find our identity, but I am very proud of them. I didn't know what to say after the game in the huddle because it was a bit overwhelming. It was my first win as a head coach and the girls have been incredibly supportive."

Up Next

The Saints (1–0) will return to Spring Arbor on Monday to face Cumberland (Tenn.) University at 1 p.m. Check back to AQSaints.com for stats and a full recap, and enjoy a safe, family-friendly Labor Day weekend.

NOTE:  Dean Holzwarth, serving as the Senior AQSaints Athletics Reporter & Content Specialist for AQSaints.com, brings decades of journalistic precision and storytelling flair to the Saints' media efforts. Previously, he covered high school sports for five years at Grand Rapids–based WOOD-TV, following a 16-year tenure in sports reporting with the Grand Rapids Press and MLive. His deep experience in capturing the heartbeat of local athletics now fuels his engaging coverage of Aquinas College sports.