#23 Symone Thomas runs down the field. Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium, Oct. 1, 2026. Photo by Emma Neal
Kennesaw State women’s soccer fell 3-0 to Middle Tennessee on Sunday afternoon at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium. The Owls were celebrating Senior Day in their last home game of the regular season.
MTSU forward Hannah Murphy scored all three goals, recording a hat trick for the Blue Raiders.
Murphy opened the scoring after a deflected header attempt from KSU defender Sian Kellier. This was the only goal of the first half, as both teams struggled to finish in the final third of the pitch.
Murphy scored again in the second half from the penalty spot. Owls defender Paris McCulloch was called for a handball that led to the penalty.
Murphy went on to complete the hat trick with a goal into the bottom left corner, extending the lead to 3-0 and scoring the final goal of the match.
KSU had opportunities to score throughout the game but could not capitalize on its chances. The Owls recorded 11 shots, with five on target. MTSU finished with 18 shots, nine of which were on target. KSU earned four corner kicks, while the Blue Raiders had only one.
The Owls also struggled with possession and committed 18 fouls to MTSU’s 10.
Despite allowing three goals, goalkeeper Charlee Bernal recorded six saves.
Sunday’s match was the last home game of the season, marking the final home appearance for five Owls: Lara Kennedy, McCulloch, Anabel Orozco, Symone Thomas and Sydni Whitehead. The seniors were recognized before the match for their hard work and dedication to the program.
The loss leaves KSU at 5-9-3 overall and 2-5 in Conference USA play. Kennesaw State will play its final game of the regular season on Nov. 1 against Florida International University, hoping to find a spot in the conference tournament.
The Owls’ currently sit at ninth out of ten teams in the conference standings. The top eight teams in CUSA qualify for the tournament, which begins Nov. 8.
