MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - The College of Charleston women's soccer team downed Elon by a 2-1 count for the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend at Patriots Point on Friday evening. Freshman Francesca Kentimenos (Stony Point, N.Y.) picked up three points on the night with a goal and an assist.

"We looked good on both sides of the ball but give credit to Elon because they came trying to win this match and we love to play against teams like that," said head coach Christian Michner. "Our kids held themselves accountable on both sides of the ball and worked extremely hard.

"We scored two phenomenal goals. Francesca [Kentimenos] is just a freshman for us this year and you could see in just a couple of touches what she's able to do. We had some amazing performances all around the field tonight and got the result we wanted."

After a quiet first half, CofC snagged an early second-half lead when Alli Brashear (Brunswick, Ga.) slotted Kentimenos on the left side of the pitch and Kentimenos fired a shot over the keepers' head from 32 yards out.

The lead wouldn't hold long, however, as Elon was granted a penalty kick in the 52nd minute and Catherine Brinkman capitalized for her fifth goal of the season and the game's equalizer.

CofC had several quality chances at the game winner down the stretch and the persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Kentimenos sent a ball into the box from the right side and Sarah Cardamone (Downingtown, Pa.) elevated above the crowd and headed the ball into the back of the net.

The Cougars opened Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend which they are doing as a joint effort with the men's soccer program to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. A silent auction was held through the women's game and will continue during the men's game tomorrow night against Furman at 7 p.m. with the winners to be announced at halftime.

"The atmosphere was absolutely amazing out here," said Michner.  "Our fans were electric and with all the pink, the breast cancer awareness match and the celebration of the research that goes into finding a cure for that awful disease. It was a great night."

The Cougars continue SoCon play with a pivotal match against UNC Greensboro on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Patriots Point at 1 p.m. The Cougars will celebrate Senior Day and honor the careers of five outstanding senior players.

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