The High Point University women's basketball team had three players in double figures tonight as it downed local rival Elon, 65-57 in the Millis Athletic Center. High Point improves to 4-3 on the season while Elon falls to 3-4.

Senior Sarah Haak matched her career high and led the Panthers in scoring tonight with 13 points. Candyce Sellars added 12 and Katie O'Dell poured in 11. 

For the Phoenix, Kitara McMoore was the team and game leader with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Robyn Shpley added 12 points while Tierra Bumbrey knocked down 10.

The Phoenix were on the board first when Shipley hit a three pointer just 15 seconds into the game, but that would be the only time that Elon would lead in the contest. High Point pulled ahead early and never looked back when Caitlin Thys hit a lay-up at the 19:04 mark.

High Point dominated the first half and pulled ahead by 17 when O'Dell hit a pair of free throws with just over three minutes remaining in the half. High Point took a 14 point advantage in to the intermission.

Elon came out of the break with the first score with a lay-up from Bumbrey to cut the lead to 12. High Point led by as many as 16 during the second half but the Phoenix would not go away and pulled within six with 2:23 remaining when McMoore hit a pair of free throws. But that was as close as Elon would get to overcoming HPU.

The Panthers were strong on the defensive side throughout the game, forcing 22 turnovers. As a team HPU had seven steals and blocked three shots. Elon held the advantage in the rebounds category 37-34.

Tonight's contest marked the 67th meeting between the two teams and renewed an old conference rivalry. Both teams were part of the Big South until Elon left the conference at the end of the 2001-2002 season. Elon leads the series 34-33.
 

High Point will return to action on Saturday when it plays host to Longwood University. Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Millis Athletic Center.