Elon recorded a season-high three goals, but it was not enough as the Furman University Paladins narrowly edged their way to victory, 4-3.

Seeking their second conference win of the season, Furman came out strong and were able to score in the first 50 seconds of play.

Furman senior Katie Tucker headed in her fourth goal of the season in a cross from Gena Villari.

Elon evened the score at the 15:49 mark when sophomore Katina Boozer stole the ball from a Furman defender and drilled a long-range shot into the top left corner, just over the diving hands of Briana da Mota. It was Boozer’s first goal of the game and third of the season.

“Our defense had holes, but out offense pulled up,” assistant coach Stuart Horne said.

With the score tied 1-1 going into the second half, the Lady Paladins were the first to break the ice. At 61:24, Anna Betton was able to collect a rebound off Elon junior goalkeeper Lizz Johnson and net it for her ninth goal of the season, putting the Paladins on top.

Less than two minutes later, Furman stretched their lead even further when Tucker capitalized on a missed clear by Johnson for her fifth goal of the season and second of the afternoon. Villari was credited again with an assist off a Tucker goal.

Furman’s fourth and final goal came at the 68:33 mark when Villari scored her first goal of the season, netting a free kick from the right side. The goal proved to be a valuable one as the Phoenix came storming back.

“We played well offensively,” Boozer said. “The team was looking for that offensive surge in the last few games.”

With just 4:45 left on the clock, Boozer found Molly Calpin down the middle of the field. Calpin quickly fed the open Brittany Hallberg, who beat da Mota for her second goal of the season, and Elon’s second goal.

The Phoenix did not stop there. With only 3.5 seconds left in the game, Boozer nailed her second long-range shot of the day. Boozer squared up from twenty-five yards out and netted the ball into the top right corner, beating da Mota once again.

“I really was not expecting it to go in,” Boozer said. “I just didn’t want to run fitness on Tuesday.”

She quickly explained that coach Chris Webb gave the team a little incentive before the game, telling them if they did not shoot at least 25 shots, they would have to run a fitness circuit for practice on Tuesday.

“We had 19 [shots],” sophomore Alix Heinicke said. “I’m hoping coach will cut us some slack.”

But the clock proved to be the ultimate enemy for the Phoenix as they ran out of time and lost the contest 4-3.

Furman’s da Mota recorded two saves, while Elon’s Johnson tallied five. Furman out-shot Elon 18 to 12. They also had the edge on corner kicks, 6-3, and shots on goal, 10-5.

Elon has a week’s rest before returning to play against the visiting University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Mocs. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rhodes Stadium.

“Everyone is excited to play at Rhodes,” Horne said. “It’s a cool place to play, it is our next conference game, and it is parent’s day.”

The Mocs will be looking for their first win of the season. They stand at a record of 0-5-2 and 0-0-1 in conference play.

The Phoenix will be looking to break its six-game losing streak and for its first conference win of the season.

“We need a win at our home field,” Heinicke said. “There’s a certain level of pride.”

The Phoenix wants to come out strong in such an exciting environment. In last season’s contest, Elon earned the victory against Chattanooga, 3-2.

The Mocs have one more game, on Thursday at home, before they travel to North Carolina. They will be playing the defending SoCon champions, UNC-Greensboro.

Boozer said the team is anxious to play at Rhodes on Sunday afternoon and for a victory after two close losses.

Reporter: Michelle Longo - 10/03/07