ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women's soccer team suffered its first setback of the season falling to Triad foe High Point, 2-1, on Sunday night, Aug. 21, at Rudd Field. Meg Kowalski's 55^th minute goal proved to be the game winner for the Panthers.
 
The Phoenix falls to 1-1-0 overall after the opening two games of the season. High Point remained undefeated, improving to 1-0-1 on the year. Sophomore Tori Baliatico scored Elon's only goal and the match equalizer in the sixth minute after High Point grabbed an early lead less than two minutes into the match.
 
"It was an exciting early season match," said Elon head coach Chris Neal. "High Point was the better team in the first half, but we still went into the half level. I thought our team responded well and were much better in the second half, but we just didn't put away some really good chances that we had. Credit to High Point for the defending they showed in some very dangerous situations we created. If we can play with a little bit more composure around the penalty box and clean up some attacking runs, our team has a chance to score a ton of goals this season."
 
HIGHLIGHTS
It was a fast start for the Panthers as Bri Jean-Charles put High Point ahead 1:13 into the match. She placed a shot on a breakaway past Elon goalkeeper Taylor Mohr to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
 
The Phoenix responded just minutes later tying up the match 1-1 in the sixth minute. Freshman Rakel Jonsdottir's header found a streaking Baliatico on the right side of the 18-yard box. The sophomore's soft touch on the bouncing ball floated over High Point goalkeeper Alex Hank to bring the score level.
 
The Panthers dominated the stat sheet in the first half outshooting the Phoenix 12-1, but the maroon and gold were able to keep the match at 1-1 heading into the half.
 
It was less than 10 minutes into the second half that Kowalski helped the Panthers regain the lead. Kowalski received a pass from Becca Rolfe and unleashed a shot from the top of the 18-yard box that took a deflection and found the lower right corner of the net in the 55^th minute.
 
Elon responded well in the second half dominating possession and leading the shot count 5-3, while creating some dangerous opportunities late in the period. Molly Gradl has two great chances in the 80^th and 82^nd minutes respectfully. Her first opportunity inside the six-yard box was saved by Hank and her shot off a corner went over the crossbar.
 
In addition, Sydney Schilling had a header blocked by a defender in the 85^th minute and Jill Richards had a free kick in the 86^th minute that hit the post. Despite Elon's late efforts, High Point held on for the 2-1 victory.
 
UP NEXT
Elon will return to Rudd Field on Friday, Aug 26, to complete its three game home stand. The Phoenix hosts UNCG at 7 p.m. before hitting the road on Sunday, Aug. 28, to face No. 14 Clemson at 2 p.m.