KENNESAW, Ga. – Missouri State women's soccer picked up its second Conference USA victory of the season with a 3-1 road win over Kennesaw State on Sunday afternoon at Fifth Third Stadium. With the win, the Bears (5-5-2, 2-0-1 CUSA) stretched their unbeaten conference streak to 23 matches, a run dating back to October 2022.

After a fast start from the Owls, Brenna Young broke through in the 11th minute to give Kennesaw State the early advantage. Missouri State wasted no time in responding, as Julia Kristensen buried a first-time strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner off a feed from Emma Shields in the 23rd minute to tie the match, 1-1.

Just before halftime, Maggie O'Keefe delivered the goal of the match, firing a one-time volley from 25 yards out that flew into the top right corner at the 44:06 mark to put MSU ahead, 2-1, heading into the break.

To start the second half, O'Keefe doubled her tally in the 61st minute, slotting a low driven cross from Reilly Heman to the bottom left corner that extended the Bears' lead to 3-1.

The Bears stood tall defensively, with goalkeeper Ella Becker recording four saves across 90 minutes to preserve the victory. Missouri State made the most of its chances, converting all three shots on target from just five attempts, while limiting Kennesaw State to one goal on 11 total shots.

"The team showed a ton of resilience today," head coach Kirk Nelson said. "We have been on the road for five days and then going down a goal early, the team fought through it and put in a stellar performance to put three goals in for the win. Fired up to get two strong results on the road this week, can't wait to be home for our next string of conference games."

After wrapping up a three-match road swing to open Conference USA play with a 2-0-1 record, Missouri State will return home for a four-match stretch beginning Sunday, Oct. 5, against Delaware at Noon. The Bears will then celebrate Senior Day versus Western Kentucky on Oct. 12 at 1 p.m., before hosting Louisiana Tech (Oct. 16, 6 p.m.) and Sam Houston (Oct. 19, 1 p.m.) at Allison South Stadium. Admission is free for all MoState women's soccer home games