FORT MYERS, Fla. – An exciting 0-0 first half led to both #6 Kennesaw State and #7 Austin Peay scoring in the bottom half of the second period to force overtime in the 2023 Atlantic Sun Conference Women's Soccer Championship First Round. The Govs won out in sudden-death PKs to advance to their first ASUN Championship Quarterfinals. 

KSU's Macie Rainwater produced the first shot on goal of the match as she sent the ball to the bottom-center of the net but was stopped by Austin Peay’s goalkeeper Katie Bahn. The first corner kick of the contest also went to the Owls in the 18th minute, but was deflected by Austin Peay before KSU regained possession but failed to score. The first half ended in a scoreless tie with six shots from the Govs compared to four by the Owls. Bahn tallied two saves in the first 45 minutes of action while the Owls' Charlee Bernal had three stops.

Both goalies were crucial in keeping the match scoreless for the first 20 minutes of the second half as well. The Owls were able to get on the scoreboard first after All-ASUN Third Team selection Tianna Rivera netted a shot in the bottom-center of the goal in the 79th minute. Shortly after, APSU tied the game when Ellie Dreas found the back of the net following a Govs corner kick.

In the first ten minutes of overtime, the Owls outshot the Govs, 4-0. Austin Peay’s defense kept the Owls scoreless while Bahn recorded one save in the period. Kennesaw State’s offense kept its pressure going into the second overtime as well. The Owls earned a free kick after a Govs' handball in the box, but Bahn was able to swat the ball away before it landed in the net. After two scoreless overtime periods, both teams headed to PKs. 

Austin Peay was able to take the lead in the shootout as Bahn and Hannah Zahn earned the Govs a 2-1 lead before the Owls’ Stella Allen tied it up to send things to sudden death. Alexis Shuster's scored was ultimately the game-winner for Austin Peay after the attempt from KSU’s Mackenzie Anuska was sent away.

Austin Peay advances to face #3 FGCU on Sunday at 1 PM in Fort Myers.