KENNESAW, Ga. – Boasting a lethal attack, the Owls on senior day, took down the undefeated FIU Panthers 3-0 Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Stadium.

FIU's only other losses came versus Miami, Stetson and Oklahoma. KSU became the first team in Conference USA to defeat the Panthers who were the last unbeaten CUSA squad.

The three goals showcased the highest scoring single game for Kennesaw State this season.

It's the Owls' third win at Fifth Third Stadium as they end the home season 3-2-2.

Following the win, the Owls have accrued nine points and currently sit fifth in CUSA (Pending other Sunday results).

"This feels great, and it feels like a longtime coming," coach Chris Cahill said. "When we had an opportunity to go to goal, they did that and sacrificed it for themselves. A lot of today was built from Tuesday on about how well we can stay connected and to see it come to fruition versus a team that hasn't lost a game is great. They did an absolutely amazing job today."

First Half
KSU earned the first gasp of the game as Tianna Rivera out muscled her defender in the box to tally the first shot for the Owls but the ball was blocked by a FIU defender. There was a glimmer of hope for the Owls regaining as Macie Rainwater followed it up with another shot that was deflected away.

With 33 minutes left, Charlee Bernal made back-to-back fabulous saves to keep the game scoreless. One of the saves was a cross attempt that nearly snuck in the goal while the other was from a header via the corner kick.

At the 17-minute mark, Rivera snagged the lead as she blazed past her defender for a breakaway goal, taking the 1-0 lead. She received a perfect lead pass from Rainwater which gave her the edge over the FIU backline. Five of the team's last six goals (at this point) came from the foot of Rivera. Rainwater and Teresa Wowk were both credited with the assists.

It's the graduate's sixth goal of the season, doubling her previous career season high total of three. She is tied with Rainwater among active Owls in career goals (16).

The Owls were able to successfully fend off the Panthers for the remaining minutes as the Owls allowed just one shot on goal during that span.

The Black and Gold held the lead going into the break despite the shot total leaning FIU's direction by 10.

Second Half
Seven minutes in, the Owls stacked another goal to go up 2-0 off a rainbow shot from Alana Nesbit. The junior lofted a goal over the FIU keeper's head after a pass from Rivera and deflection from Rainwater. From her left foot, Rivera booted a left-to-right cross into the box following the feed from Anabel Orozco. Rainwater was able to skim the ball enough to direct it to an open Nesbit who netted her second goal of the season. Anabel Orozco and Rivera were rewarded with the assists.

Nesbit, a Wright State transfer, also scored the game-winning goal versus Sam Houston in the last Owl home game (9/29).

With under 20 minutes left to play, Bernal made another astounding save as she leaped toward the middle of the box to deflect the FIU threat away. The situation developed into a one-on-one between Bernal and the FIU attacker with Bernal showcasing her athleticism to send it out of play.

Two minutes later, she stopped another shot with her feet as FIU was inches away from recording their first goal. The vision of Bernal was hindered due to heavy traffic toward the right post, but the keeper was able to react quickly for her sixth save.

Anabel Orozco notched her first goal of the season in impressive fashion with less than four minutes remaining in the match. The sophomore chipped in a left to right score 10 yards from the goal with a defender draped all over her. The ball made its way over the keeper's head and gave the Owls a 3-0 lead.

The goal marked Orozco's first score of the year. Her effectiveness has been felt this season as she also has three assists on the season.

The three-goal advantage was more than enough for KSU to secure their third win of the '24 campaign.

Next Up:
It's a longer layoff than normal for the Owls as they face Jacksonville State at 8 p.m. ET Oct. 26.

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