KENNESAW, Ga. – The Owls are the SELC Southwest division champions for the second year in a row after finishing off Columbus State, 16-6, on Saturday at the Owls' Nest.

Now the team turns its attention to Johns Creek and winning an SELC championship.

“That has been our goal all season,” said KSU coach Tyler Yelken. “We want to get back out to California, but winning the conference has always been our number one goal.”

Saturday afternoon also served as Senior Day for KSU. The Owls sent off one of the best senior classes in program history. Playing for the last time at the Owl’s Nest were attackmen Cody Clark, Tyler Mathews and Ed Thorne. The three have combined for 531 points over their four years at the school.

Attackman Tyler Price, midfielder Adam Staniewicz along with defenseman and captain Trey Koons were also honored for the time they’ve given to the team. The Owls also recognized team manager Mark Ryan, whose dedication over the last three years has been contagious for everyone in the program.

Despite a final tally of 16-6, the Cougars gave the Owls all they could handle early on.

Damien Prosser scored first for KSU, connecting on a behind-the-back goal off a Clark assist. The Owls went up 3-1 before Columbus put two on the board in the second quarter to tie the game at halftime.

The Owls came out in the second half a new team, scoring six in the third quarter and seven in the fourth quarter.

“We really stepped up in the second half to put away a tough CSU team,” Yelken said. “Our seniors saw the game in jeopardy and took it in their hands and led us to the win.”

Prosser has been on a tear as of late. The freshman midfielder has scored 12 goals in the last four games, including three against the Cougars.

The Owls finished 4-0 in the division for the second year in a row. In those games, the Owls gave up five goals per game to help add to the season average of 6.5 goals against per game.

Since 2010, KSU is 23-4 against SELC Southwest division opponents, including a 9-0 record over the last two seasons.

KSU will take on Florida Gulf Coast on Friday in the first round of the SELC Championships. Faceoff is scheduled for 5:30 pm at South Forsyth High School.