The High Point University women's soccer squad dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 decision in overtime on the road against Davidson on Sunday evening at Alumni Stadium.
The Wildcat's Lauren Conner gathered in a loose ball in the box in the 95th minute of overtime and kicked it into an open net to carry Davidson to the victory. The Panthers slipped to 0-2 with the loss while Davidson improved to 1-1 on the year.
Both goalies were exceptional between the posts in the first two periods, coming up with some key saves throughout the game.
HPU sophomore Marisa Abbott was effective, stopping three great looks by the Wildcats. Sophomore Kyri Bye-Nagel peppered the goal twice, only to find Abbott there to save each shot for High Point. In the first half, Bye-Nagel broke free from the defense, racing down the left side and fired a shot directly at goal, but Abbott came up with the save.
Then in the 54th minute of the second half, Bye-Nagel worked the ball down the right side of the field and got in the box, where she kicked one to the near side, but Abbott again shifted over in time to deflect the shot and keep the score set at zeroes.
Wildcat senior goalie Bevin English was equally as solid making a key save in the first two minutes of the second half when the Panther's Jen Evans got a pass in the goalie box, squared around and fired a shot that was first deflected and then saved by English. She closed out the game with six saves, five of them in the second half, out of High Point's 11 total shots taken.
Amanda Flink assisted in setting up Conner's game-winner when she sent a low pass to the 18-yard box where the Panther defense and Abbott were unable to control the loose ball. Abbott made a diving stab at it, but couldn't fully stop it, allowing Conner to gather in the ball and find herself all alone in front of an empty net where she punched it through for the game's lone score.
High Point returns home for its next action as the Panthers will host the HPU Invitational on Thursday and Saturday at Vert Stadium. HPU hosts Elon at 7:30 on Thursday in their 2007 home opener. North Carolina State and Campbell square off in the tournament opener on Thursday at 5 p.m.
