BOX SCORE

The High Point women's soccer team put six shots on goal but was unable to find the back of the net in a 1-0 defeat to Radford in Radford, Va., Sunday afternoon. Junior Katie Taber put both of her shots on target for HPU forcing two Highlander saves.

“You have to give credit to Radford for capitalizing on a set piece, it was their best chance to score and they took advantage,” head coach Marty Beall said. “We had some good opportunities to score but were not able to capitalize. I thought Radford wanted the game more than us and were more physical. We need to continue to focus on possession, especially in these competitive games.”

The Panthers best opportunities came in the first half as both Taber and senior Sara Rager forced RU's freshman keeper, Che' Brown, to make two great saves.

In the 21st minute, Rager corralled a ball just outside the penalty area and sent a high lofting shot on frame, but Brown back tracked and just managed to punch the ball over the cross bar. Just four minutes after Rager's attempt, Taber managed to beat two defenders in the left side of the 18 and hit a shot to the far post but Brown was again up to the task making a fingertip grab.

Radford's Kathryn Johnston scored the game's only goal in the 30th minute, running back away from goal to get possession of the ball 16-yards out before turning and firing a shot from the center of the box. The ball hit off the right post before crossing the line for the score.

HPU pushed numbers forward late in the second half but was unable to find an equalizer as Radford's defense continually stymied the High Point attack.

Junior Andrea Ritchie made three saves in the game and several times in the second half came off her line to clear away balls sent over the defense.

The Panthers fall to 6-10-1 overall and 4-2-1 in the Big South with the loss, which was their first in five games. Radford improves to 11-6-1 overall and 5-2-1 in the Big South which ties them with Charleston Southern for first in the conference.

High Point returns home for its final two Big South contests, starting with a game against Presbyterian on Wednesday, Oct. 27. The Panthers beat the Blue Hose, 2-1 in double-overtime last season when then-freshman Janay Whittaker scored the game winner in the 104th minute.