HIGH POINT, N.C. – The Elon University women's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to the High Point Panthers on Friday night, Sept. 5, at HPU's Vert Stadium. The loss to High Point marks only the second for the Phoenix in 21 all-time meetings.
 
"Credit to High Point tonight," said Elon head coach Chris Neal. "They're a well-coached team and made the most of their chances. The ball just didn't bounce our way tonight. We look forward to getting back out there on Sunday and continuing to improve."
 
After going into the half scoreless, the Panthers (2-0-2) took a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute when Jacky Kessler scored her first of two goals on the night, striking in a shot off her own rebound to put Elon (1-4)x behind. The Phoenix nearly scored minutes earlier on a Marissa Russo left-footed strike in the 50th minute, but Jordan Beets made a great diving save to her right for HPU.
 
Kessler gave her team a two-goal edge in the 89th minute after scoring into the top right corner of the goal on an 18-yard free kick from the top of the box. The out-stretched arms of Kate Murphy could not corral the shot, as Elon saw its hopes dwindle with the late goal with just over a minute to play.
 
HPU made it a 3-0 game in the 90th minute after Elon pulled its keeper to put an extra player in the field, as Becca Rolfe landed a shot into the goal from 30 yards out.
 
Elon ended the match with an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks, but could not cash in on its set pieces. HPU finished the game with a 7-1 edge in shots on goal.
 
Murphy and Sydney Branson split time for the Phoenix in goal in the setback. Branson played the first 45 minutes and finished with zero saves on limited chances by the Panthers. Murphy played the entire second half and ended the night with four saves.
 
In the first half, Russo nearly put the Phoenix ahead by a goal in the 43rd minute on a great cross from Erin Tanhauser, but her shot ricocheted off the crossbar. That was the best chance of the half for the maroon and gold, as the match went into intermission scoreless.
 
Elon returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 7, in Greenville, N.C., against East Carolina.