Kennesaw State Topples Tennesse Wesleyan

This article is originally from CollegeLax.

By Luke Christiansen

Athens, TN – The No. 13 Kennesaw State Owls defeated the No. 18 Tennessee Wesleyan Bulldogs 11-9 in division play. This marks the Owls first ever victory over the bulldogs, and currently puts them in the drivers seat of the SELC DII South West Division.

"The KSU Owls accomplished a first for the program by defeating the Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan. For three years straight this team put a beating on us. This win puts us in position to be right in line with a playoff spot in the SELC playoffs later in the season," commented Kennesaw Head Coach Ken Byers.

Kennesaw started off slowly and Tennessee Wesleyan took advantage scoring three unanswered goals to start off the game. The Bulldogs lead 4-1 going into the 2nd quarter.

At the start of the 2nd quarter things did not get better for Kennesaw, and Tennessee Wesleyan extended their lead to 6-1.

"I told the team to win one battle at a time," said Coach Byers.

From that point the Owls shut down the Bulldogs offense, and scored five goals to close out the half down 6-7.

The Owls defense continued to be the difference in the second half, limiting the Bulldogs to two goals. A contributing factor to the success on defense was the switch at goalie. Kennesaw State switched goalies at the half, and Andrew Flood played spectacular.

Holding SELC D-II Offensive Player of the Year Ryan Horvath in check was also vital to the Owls success on Saturday.

"Our close defense of Tom Mudrak, Rory Keown and Jimmy Faucette controlled the high powered Bulldog attackers all day long," said Coach Byers.

"Overall, the victory was sloppy at times and we were glad to get it. I have only admiration for the Bulldogs and Coach Kevin Parker."

Kennesaw State went on to defeat The Citadel 21-5 on Sunday. They will now face Palm Beach Atlantic and The Coast Guard Academy this weekend.