WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Palm Beach Atlantic women's soccer faced a tough task on Saturday night, attempting to knock off No. 11 Rollins College. Ultimately, though the Sailfish proved a worthy opponent, the squad fell by a score of 2-0 and dropped to 4-5 (1-4 SSC) on the season.
Going into the contest, PBA was 0-6-2 in the last eight competitions against the Tars dating back to the 2007 campaign.
However, less than two minutes in, Kylee Rullo nearly gave the Sailfish an early advantage as she curled a ball from the top of the box with her right foot that grazed the top of the crossbar.
Following that quality chance, neither team truly dominated possession in the first half.
Despite the lack of threatening shots on frame, Rollins (8-2, 5-0 SSC) was able to get on the board with a deflected effort that found the back of the net in the 38th minute.
The Tars' tally, which was the only goal of the opening 45 minutes, put RC up 1-0 at the break.
After two RC opportunities that were blasted off the woodwork early in the second half, PBA began to threaten with promising attempts.
The Sailfish earned two corners, one of which was headed into the six-yard box in the 56th minute, but kept out by the Rollins defense.
On the ensuing counterattack, the Tars made Palm Beach Atlantic pay for the missed chances at the other end of the field with their second goal of the night, an insurance tally to seal the victory.
Goalkeeper Madison Chiola performed admirably against the No. 11 Tars, blocking a season-high 10 shots of 12 that found their way on net.
Palm Beach Atlantic managed 10 shots toward goal, but only a sole try forced a save from the opposing goalie. Rollins placed 12 of its 18 attempts on frame.
PBA will now host Lynn University on Wednesday for game two of a three-game homestand. The match is scheduled for 6 p.m.
