Panthers over matched by Acadia's experience, lose 4-1

By Thomas Becker

The UPEI Women's Soccer Panthers will have to wait another week to capture that
elusive first win, as they fell 4-1 to the experienced Acadia Axewomen in AUS action
Friday night.

Acadia tallied three goals in the opening half – including a game-winning penalty
shot in the 16th minute – to improve to 3-0 on the season.

"It was a good win for us," said Acadia head coach Amit Batra. "There was a lot of
good things for sure, but we were inconsistent at times."

While Batra is satisfied with his team's win, he knows there's still a long road ahead
for an Acadia squad looking to get back in the AUS finals.

"We're approaching this season very business-like," said Batra. "And we still have
some unfinished business."

The Axewomen wasted little time, notching their first goal in the 10th minute on a
Madison Kelly boot from 30 yards out. After Meghan Earle connected on the penalty,
midfielder Katie Ross added a goal of her own, giving Acadia a comfortable 3-0 lead.

UPEI came out a more determined team in the second half and the results followed.
After allowing a 61st minute goal to Axewoman Jenna Boudreau, Panther Danielle
Younker found rookie Jenna Mae Ellsworth who connected on a header in the 78th
minute.

"I thought the second half was a lot better than the first half," said Panther head
coach Graeme McDonald. "The girls are still trying to adjust to the speed of play in
the AUS and it's a good experience for our young players."

The Panthers lone goal was the team's first of the season, and McDonald hopes the
girls can build off that success.

"Hopefully as the next few games come along we can gain some confidence and put
some goals on the board."

For Ellsworth, the goal was bittersweet.

"It is exciting to get your first goal, but I would much rather the win."

The Panthers hit the road next for a Sept. 18 match against the UNB Varsity Reds in
Fredericton.