The High Point women's soccer team suffered a disappointing 6-0 loss on the road Tuesday night at rival UNC Greensboro.
The Panthers (2-2) went into the match-up coming off back-to-back shut out victories and facing a Spartan (2-2) squad that had played three straight overtime matches including a double overtime loss this past Sunday.
UNCG's Karla Davis scored the first goal of the evening just three minutes into the contest when she converted on a header sent into the box off a corner kick by Nicollette DeLaine. The Spartans took a 2-0 lead just over six minutes later as DeLaine netted her first goal of the season by corralling a pass from teammate Deven Beachum, turning and firing a shot into the back of the net from 20 yards out.
As the second half got underway, Cara Hammond picked up the third goal of the evening in the 50th minute then struck again just over five minutes later, on a pass from fellow senior Amy Carnell. Sophomore Mary Kate Towne collected the fifth goal of the evening, and her first of the season, as she converted on a header sent into the box off a corner kick by Davis. Emilie Stewart completed the Spartan offensive outburst when she notched her first goal of the season in the 88th minute on a shot just outside the High Point box.
High Point's offense mustered just four shots on the evening and was topped 11-3 in shots on goal. UNCG also held a 10-1 edge in corner kick attempts. One bright spot for the Panthers in the match was the return of sophomore Amy Anzovino, who missed the start of the season with an injured back.
"We had every opportunity to go on the road and do well tonight," said HPU head coach Michelle Rayner. "We created chances but we just didn't capitalize on them. We are struggling with our consistency right now. UNCG did a very good job tonight of exploiting our inconsistent effort. We need to regroup, watch film and learn from this game. This group is capable of working harder and that is what we are going to do."
The Panthers continue their month-long road trip this weekend when they travel to Baltimore, Md., to participate in the UMBC Invitational. High Point faces Mt. St. Mary's on Friday (5 p.m.) before playing St. Peter's on Sunday at 10 a.m.
