BUIES CREEK, N.C. – In the conference opener for both teams, the USC Upstate women's soccer team fell to the home standing Campbell Camels.  With the 2-0 win on Thursday night at the Eakes Complex, Campbell improves to 4-4-1 overall and sits 1-0-0 in the Atlantic Sun, while Upstate falls to 1-7-0 and 0-1-0 in league play.

Upstate had a golden opportunity to take an early 1-0 lead in the match, but Ashleigh Barkley's (Phoenix, Ariz./George Washington) shot from about 30 yards out was tipped off of the cross bar and out of play by Campbell goalkeeper Jamie Panfil.

"I am extremely pleased with the team's effort in the conference opener," said head coach Renee Lopez.  "They battled a tough Campbell team and the team stepped up their game, even though we didn't get the result we wanted, the team played a solid 90 minutes of soccer.  There are several positives we can take away from tonight as we prepare for Alabama State on Sunday."

In the 16^th-minute, Campbell took the 1-0 lead when Annabelle Gibney scored on a double assist from Kirsty Meyer and Cissy Nitz.  Less than two minutes later the Spartans had a chance to tie the match at 1-1 but Courtney Mack's (St. Leonard, Md./Calvert HS) shot sailed wide. 

Like the last two matches, Rachel Collins (Raleigh, N.C./Athens Drive HS) got the start in goal and Sarah Plantz (Cartersville, Ga./Cartersville HS) played the final 45 minutes.  Collins recorded five saves in the match for the Spartans, while Plantz tallied two saves in the second half.

In the 54^th-minute, Jessica Jackyra (Cary, N.C./Apex HS) broke free at the edge of the box and nearly had a chance to tie the match.  However, with Camel keeper Jamie Panfil charging, Jackrya's shot sailed high, allowing the Camels to maintain the 1-0 advantage. 

Campbell tacked on a late goal as Pirjo Leppikangas scored on a pass from Marisa Muller in the 88^th-minute. 

Upstate goalkeepers combined for seven saves, while Campbell recorded four.  Ryann Torrero entered with 10 minutes remaining and denied two Spartan shots. 

Campbell owned the advantage in shots (19-11) and shots on-goal (9-4).  The Camels also owned the advantage in corner kicks by a 6-3 margin. 

The Camels committed eight fouls in the match and were called for three offsides.  Meanwhile, Upstate was called for seven fouls and one offsides penalty.

Upstate will return to the pitch on Sunday as it travels to Montgomery, Ala. to face Alabama State in the final non-conference match of 2010.  Kick-off between the Spartans and the Hornets is slated for 3:00 p.m.