MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A first-half penalty kick just prior to intermission helped push 11th-ranked West Virginia to a 2-0 victory over the Elon University women's soccer team on Sunday, Aug. 31, at Dick Dlesk Stadium.
 
The Elon (1-3) back line and keeper Sydney Branson played outstanding defense for the entire first period, nearly taking a scoreless tie into the locker room at the half. However, the Mountaineers (2-2) were awarded a penalty kick with 35 seconds remaining in the first half and capitalized to take a 1-0 lead at the break.
 
West Virginia took a 2-0 lead in the 63rd minute that proved to be insurmountable at that point, as Kate Schwindel scored on a cross from Kailey Utley to give the Mountaineers breathing room.

"I am incredibly proud of how we competed today," said Elon head coach Chris Neal. "West Virginia is a very athletic and well-coached team, so hats off to them. We showed incredible fight and determination today and got better as a team."
 
The Mountaineers ended the match with a 9-0 advantage in shots on goal and a 10-2 edge in corners. Branson ended the match with three saves in 45 minutes, while Kate Murphy finished with two saves in 29 minutes. Hanna Macaulay made her collegiate debut in goal for the Phoenix, playing 15 minutes.
 
Elon avoided an early scare from the Mountaineers after Maloney banged one off the left post in the 11th minute. Her follow-up shot off the rebound was saved by a diving Branson to keep the match scoreless.
 
Branson and the Elon defense held its own versus the nationally ranked Mountaineers in the opening frame, clearing several WVU chances in the first 45 minutes.
 
The Mountaineers were awarded a penalty kick with 35 seconds remaining in the opening half after a foul inside the box. Jess Crowder's strike landed behind Branson to put the Phoenix down 1-0 just prior to intermission.
 
WVU took a two-goal lead in the 63rd minute after Schwindel managed to knock in a cross from Utley for her third goal of the year.
 
Elon's non-conference slate continues on Friday, Sept. 5, when the Phoenix takes on Triad rival High Point at 7 p.m. at HPU's Vert Stadium.