KENNESAW, GA. – No. 6 Kennesaw State extended its home winning streak, which dates back to 2013, with a comfortable, 10-4 victory over No. 15 Missouri Valley on Thursday evening.

The Owls took the field under the lights in front a raucous crowd at the Owl’s Nest and the game began with Missouri Valley controlling the first faceoff before turning the ball over on a shot clock violation.

Captain Tyler Mathews started the Owls off right away, dodging from behind the cage and scoring on his first touch. The senior was met by a hard check by a Valley defender, which drew a flag and knocked Mathews out of the game.

Tied at three, the Owls got a boost when Brendan Hall found the back of the net coming around the crease to put the Owls up 4-3 at the end of the first quarter. KSU began to run away with the game in the second after another goal by Hall on a man-up play put the Owls up 6-3 before the horn.

Kennesaw State coach Tyler Yelken rounded up his team at halftime to explain the changes to their game plan.

“We told them we needed to focus on possessing the ball and keeping the communication up,” he said.

The Owls came out of the break hot as ever. Both Cody Clark (4g) and Ed Thorne (1g, 3a) led the Owls offense with four points apiece. Not far behind was Hall, who led the midfield with three goals. Meanwhile, Drew Martinez came on after halftime to contribute a crucial goal and assist.

“I am proud of the way we played," said defensive coordinator Tom Mudrak. "It was the most complete game we’ve played this season.”

“I could not be more proud of these guys right now," added Yelken. "They rallied together after [Tyler] Mathews went down early and got the job done.”

Goaltender Connor Hanson shut down the Vikings with 11 saves, while only giving up one goal after the first quarter.

The Owls get some much needed time off as they open up SELC Southwest divisional play against No. 11 Reinhardt on March 26 in Waleska, Ga.