DELAND, Fla. – Kennesaw State scored its first win in conference play versus Stetson earning a 1-0-win Sunday afternoon in DeLand, Fla.
 
"We really needed that one," coach Benji Walton said. "Not only for points but also morale and everything else. I'm really proud of the team today in a game that whoever wanted the 50/50 balls, would win."
 
The Owls secured their second 1-0 victory this season and snapped a conference slide to advance to 2-7-4 while Stetson fell to 1-10-2. The Owls have now won five straight versus Stetson with 12 all-time victories. 
 
The biggest threat of the first half for the Owls was a left to right cross from Tianna Rivera that nearly snuck into the back post but was punched away by Stetson's keeper Mallory Osbourn.
 
With 17 minutes left, Anabel Orozco sent in a looping cross to the head of Rivera, but it was received by the keeper yet again.
 
Shortly afterward, the Hatters had a few chances near the KSU goal, but the defense swarmed to clear the ball time and time again.
 
With under 40 minutes left, Allanah Blye made a diving stop to her right from a shot outside of the box keeping the game scoreless.
 
At the 51-minute mark, Rivera scored off the rebound from the keeper as she turned and burned the left footed shot to the left side of the net to go up 1-0. The ball was kicked in by Macie Rainwater and deflected off Osbourn as it threatened to enter the net. Rivera played it off the bounce and scored.
 
The goal marked the ninth of her career and the second of her season.
 
Rivera nearly added another after a foot race to the edge of the box was won by Osbourn merely inches away from another Rivera goal.
 
"I thought Jade Barkett did a great job of winning balls out of the air. Hopefully we can create some momentum going into our last home weekend." Walton said.

The Owls controlled the stat sheet for the most part holding the advantage in shots on goal with 10 off 12 total shots. Rainwater tacked on two shots on goal to go with Rivera's five.
 
Next Match
The Florida opponents continue but the venues changes as they will report back to Fifth Third Bank Stadium versus Jacksonville Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.
 
To keep up with the latest on the Kennesaw State women's soccer team, follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsSoccer or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.