Ballotti’s Overtime Strike Leads Elon Women’s Soccer to a CAA-Opening Win

ELON, N.C. – Kendall Ballotti scored the game-winner off a rebound in the 107th minute and the Elon University women’s soccer team overcame a late equalizer to defeat the Towson Tigers 2-1 in its CAA opener after two overtime periods on Friday, Sept. 23, on Latin Night at Rudd Field.

BOX SCORE

After the Erin Tanhauser scored on a beautifully volleyed kick in the 31st minute, Towson equalized with 13 seconds left in regulation to send the match into overtime. Ballotti’s goal with three minutes remaining in overtime sealed Elon’s win.

“What an incredible goals and what an incredible amount of toughness we showed after giving up a goal late in regulation,” said head coach Chris Neal.

Elon improves to 5-4-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play after the victory. Towson falls to 3-7-1 overall and 0-1 in CAA play with the loss.

HIGHLIGHTS
Susannah Anderson created almost something out of nothing in the first four minutes. After Towson goalkeeper Taylor Sebolao punched the ball out, Anderson tried to lob her in the fourth minute, but the shot went high.

Tanhauser then scored a beautiful goal in the 31st minute to put the Phoenix ahead for the first time. After a throw in from Nyah Spearman was flicked on by Anderson, Tanhauser chested the ball, turned to her left, and volleyed a shot into the left side for the goal. It would remain 1-0 heading into halftime.

Elon turned on the pressure in the second half outshooting Towson 11-5 in the period. Following two shots on frame in the first five minutes, Tori Baliatico found space for another chance in the 60th minute, but Sebolao made the save.

The Phoenix created some dangerous chances on a few set pieces. Jill Richards had a free kick saved in the 67th minute and Rakel Jonsdottir had two headers saved in the half in the 68th and the 75th minute.

Following a save by Sebolao in the 87th minute, Towson drew a foul with just over 30 seconds left in regulation. The Tigers were able to execute on the free kick after Marissa Green put home a rebound to level the match at 1-1 with 13 seconds remaining in the half.

Although Towson outshot Elon 2-0 in the first overtime period, the Phoenix held strong defensively. The maroon and gold got off three shots in the second overtime period. The second shot would lead to the winning goal.

After Sarah Henson’s shot was blocked by a defender at the 106:57 mark, Ballotti was there at the top of the six-yard box to fire home the game-winner with three minutes remaining in overtime.

The Phoenix outshot the Tigers 19-11 in the match, include 13-5 in shots on goal. Elon also out-cornered Towson 8-4 after 107 minutes of action. Katelyn Fowler improved her record in goal to 4-2-1 overall and made four saves.

UP NEXT
Elon returns home on Sunday, Sept. 25, to complete the CAA opening weekend with a matchup against the James Madison Dukes. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.