PRIESTLEY’S LAST MINUTE GOLDEN GOAL LIFTS RADFORD OVER PC IN LEAGUE OPENER

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RADFORD, Va. – Freshman Melanie Priestley provided the late heroics as she scored with just over a minute left in double overtime lifting Radford women's soccer to a hard fought, 1-0 victory over Presbyterian in the Big South opener on Wednesday evening from Cupp Stadium.

With the match seemingly headed to a scoreless draw, the Highlanders (5-1-1, 1-0-0 Big South) were awarded a free kick from about 30 yards. Senior Sydney Golden's service caromed off the far post and Priestley, amongst a crowd of Blue Hose (3-4, 0-1) knocked it in for the golden goal.

It was the rookie striker's second goal in as many games, which extended Radford's home winning and unbeaten streaks to six and 14 matches (12-0-2), respectively as well as its league unbeaten streak to 12 (8-0-4).

The goal was the only ball that would get by PC keeper Jordan Broadway, who stopped nine shots, all coming in regulation as the Highlanders peppered the frame with 23 shots, 10 on goal. Senior keeper Che' Brown made four saves as Radford recorded its fourth shutout of the season and 40^th since 2010.

The teams went into halftime scoreless with Radford owing a 6-2 (4-2 SOG) advantage in shots, while Presbyterian holding a 2-1 edge in corner kicks. However, both keepers were up to the task as Broadway registered four saves and charted two saves on both of the Blue Hose's attempts on frame.

The Highlanders pressured early registering three shots in the first 12 minutes with the best chance had by senior Julie Ruh'e, but her blast from 15 was blocked by a PC defender. Senior Sahar Aflaki recorded Radford's other quality opportunity, but she whistled a low shot from the top of the box just wide.

After a few earlier PC corners were defended, Rebecca Miller and Emily Boggus each put long shots from outside the 18 on frame, but Brown calmly collected both shots to keep it scoreless.

Sparked by the play of Priestley's classmates Britney Kendall and Hannah Duff, the Highlanders pressured the Blue Hose for the majority of the second half, but Broadway made five more saves and the Blue Hose defense forced several off target attempts. In total, Radford outshot PC, 14-3 in the second stanza, 5-1 on goal.

Miller and Stephanie Allen each recorded two of PC's seven shots. Aflaki paced the Radford with four shots. Four other Highlanders charted three, including Duff.

Radford begins a three-game road swing on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Charleston Southern. The contest is at 4:00 p.m. and has been moved to Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C.

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