RADFORD, Va. - The Presbyterian College women's soccer team looked to begin Big South Conference play on a high note Thursday night, but the visiting Blue Hose fell to Radford after two second-half goals, 2-0.
PC moves to 2-8-0 on the year and 1-0 in Big South play. Radford improves to 6-3-0 and 1-0 in league action.
Goalkeeper Sarah Beth Anderson (Grayson, Ga.) made seven saves in the effort and moves to 2-7-0 on the year.
Morgan Fragapane (Baltimore, Md.) tallied PC's only shot on goal with a chance in the 81st minute.
Fragapane, Jessica Kramer (Acworth, Ga.) and Lauren Snyder (North Augusta, S.C.) each tallied a shot for the Blue Hose.
The Blue Hose held the Highlanders scoreless in the first half as the PC back line limited Radford's opportunities. Anderson made six saves in the opening stanza, matching her first-half total against The Citadel.
Alice Blackwell (Marietta, S.C.) forced several turnovers from Radford attackers deep in the PC end and one of PC's best chances in the first half came on a Stephanie Allen (Augusta, S.C.) free kick. Allen launched a kick from inside midfield that reached the box but sailed through the Radford end.
After the teams headed into halftime with a 0-0 tie, Radford took the lead 5:05 into the second half. A Mary Wiley free kick outside the PC box found Sydney Golden, who headed the ball down for Rachel Conway. Conway took a shot that slid past a diving Anderson to take give Radford a 1-0 lead.
Allen contributed another free kick opportunity but the cross bounced through the box and into the hands of Radford goalkeeper Che' Brown.
Radford extended its lead in the 72nd minute on a Sahar Aflaki goal from close range.
Fragapane aimed to cut into the Radford lead with a shot late in the match. Brown made the save, however, and the Highlanders held on for the 2-0 win.
PC stays in Virigina for a Saturday match at VMI. Kickoff in Lexington, Va., is slated for 2 p.m.
