HUNTSVILLE, Ala. --- Two first-half goals helped Alabama Huntsville to a 3-1 victory over Tusculum in non-conference women's soccer action Sunday afternoon.
The Chargers (1-1-0) added a goal on a penalty kick just over two minutes after Elise Gallo scored the only goal of the game for the Pioneers (1-1-0) in the 72nd minute.
Both teams got off to a cautious start, with the Pioneers getting the first shot just past the seven-minute mark and the Chargers taking their first shot in the 11th minute. Alabama Huntsville cashed in on a corner kick at 19:50 as Mia Penton converted her first goal of the season off an assist by Sydney Pfankuch.
While the Pioneers looked for their first shot on goal, the Chargers doubled their lead as a long pass from Riley Ridgeway connected with Baylie Spring, who broke free and scored for a 2-0 UAH lead at 33:16.
Tusculum finally put its first shot on frame in the 70th minute off the foot of Sonja Ballmert. Less than two minutes later, Gallo finished from 10 yards out for her first career goal to cut the UAH to 2-1 with 18:49 remaining.
The momentum would be short-lived, as the Chargers were awarded a penalty kick nearly 2 1/2 minutes later. Lauren Mayer delivered the goal to extend the Alabama Huntsville lead to 3-1, which would hold up as the Pioneers were able to muster just one more shot on goal, coming from Carly Mill with 7 1/2 minutes left.
The Pioneers and Chargers finished with eight shots apiece, while the Chargers had a 7-4 edge in corner kicks. UAH was called for 13 fouls to five by Tusculum, and the Chargers were carded twice to one booking for the Pioneers.
Pioneer goalkeeper Hannah Graham finished with three saves, while Megan Buford had three stops for the Chargers.
Tusculum will play its home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Pioneer Field against Tennessee Wesleyan.
