BELMONT, N.C.— After a two-hour delay due to inclement weather in the area, Palm Beach Atlantic women's soccer fell to the Belmont Abbey Crusaders by a score of 1-0. With the defeat, the Sailfish (1-1-0) suffered their first loss of the 2019 campaign.
Belmont Abbey (2-1-0) controlled most of the opening half, out-shooting PBA 6-2 through the first 45 minutes. However, despite having only a few quality opportunities to score, the Sailfish threatened offensively midway through the initial period by putting both of their shot attempts on target.
After earning back-to-back corner kicks in the 16th and 21st minutes, Karina Williams launched a shot that was saved by the Crusader keeper, while Carrie Jones fired a try that was labeled for the top right corner of the net that was also kept out.
BAC then capitalized on its possession and found the back of the net in the 32nd minute, the only tally of the first half, which sent the 'Fish into the break trailing 1-0.
PBA stormed back with a spurt of three consecutive shots after the Crusaders took the lead, limiting Belmont Abbey to only a single attempt over the next 46 minutes of play.
Although Palm Beach Atlantic registered seven shots on target to BAC's five and earned six corners to the Crusaders' five, PBA was unable to draw even and Belmont Abbey took the match.
Redshirt-sophomore goalkeeper Madison Chiola recorded a season-high four saves in the losing effort.
The contest marked the first of three consecutive road competitions for the Sailfish. PBA will now make the short trip from Belmont to Mars Hill, N.C. to play Mars Hill University on Sunday. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
