High Point University scored an early goal and made it stand up earning their first shutout of the season with a 1-0 victory over Charleston Southern on Saturday afternoon at Vert Track & Soccer Stadium.

The Panthers (2-9-0, 2-2-0 Big South) used a strong defensive effort and an aggressive offensive attack in topping the Lady Buccaneers (3-5-2, 0-3-0 Big South) for their second league win.

"This was one of our best overall performances this season," said HPU head coach Michelle Rayner. "I thought we did a tremendous job in the offensive third of the field. We gave ourselves several quality scoring chances, now we just need to finish all of those opportunities."

Freshman Laura Eldridge got HPU on the board first collecting a rebound and chipping it past the CSU keeper just 7:58 into the game for her third goal of the year. Sophomore Caroline Carver picked up the assist on the score, as her shot from 25 yards out deflected off the right post and was gathered in by Eldridge.

Both teams had chances to score later in the first half but were unable to find the back of the net as High Point held a 1-0 lead at the break.

High Point turned up their offensive pressure in the second half earning a 12-1 edge in shot attempts during the final 45 minutes. Charleston Southern held an 11-10 advantage in shot attempts in the first half.

Eldridge and junior Karolina Straby shared the team's lead with five shots each, Straby also topped the squad with three shots on goal. Emma Mattsson tallied five shots for Charleston Southern to lead the Lady Bucs.

Freshman goalkeeper Marisa Abbott earned her first victory of the year between the pipes by recording HPU's first shutout this season. Abbott finished the day with four saves. Jena Uvalle suffered the loss for CSU after posting five saves.

The Panthers continue their current home stand with a game against future Big South member Presbyterian on Wednesday at 7 p.m.