OWENSBORO, KY — Kentucky Wesleyan took control early and never let up Thursday night, scoring four times before halftime on the way to a 6-0 victory over Malone at Panther Field.

The Panthers needed just two minutes to get on the scoreboard. Pepe Valle finished a chance off an assist from Jersey Lopez to put Kentucky Wesleyan ahead 1-0.

Less than four minutes later, Lopez added a goal of his own, converting a free kick to give the Panthers a 2-0 advantage.

Kentucky Wesleyan continued to create chances as the half progressed. Mattie McNally scored in the 20th minute after finding himself alone against the Malone goalkeeper, with Lopez recording his second assist of the night.

Filip Ksiadz then added another free-kick goal in the 35th minute, sending the Panthers into halftime with a 4-0 lead.

The Panthers picked up where they left off early in the second half. Mathias Jensen scored in the 46th minute off a corner kick to make it 5-0.

Carter Ford capped the scoring in the 78th minute, finishing a pass from Cameron Bell after going around the outstretched Malone goalkeeper.

Lopez finished the night with one goal and two assists, playing a part in three of Kentucky Wesleyan’s six goals.

The Panthers finished with a 13-9 advantage in shots and put eight attempts on goal. Malone was held scoreless as Matteo Graniero made five saves in 67:58 in goal. Torje Mudenia played the final 22:02 and helped Kentucky Wesleyan preserve the shutout in his debut.

The victory moved Kentucky Wesleyan to 3-3-0 overall and 2-2-0 in conference play, while Malone fell to 2-5-0 overall and 1-4-0 in conference play.

Kentucky Wesleyan will remain at Panther Field Saturday, Sept. 26, when the Panthers host Ohio Dominican at 2:30 p.m. CT.