High Point University freshman Katie Taber scored her first career goal in leading the Panthers to a 1-0 victory at UNC Asheville on Wednesday afternoon in the Big South Conference opener for HPU.

Taber's game winning score came in the 78th minute of action as the Panther rookie finished a well-played free kick service from junior Courtney Spotts. High Point improves to 5-2-4 (1-0-0 Big South) with the win while Asheville slips to 4-7-1 (2-1-0 Big South) after the loss.

The Panthers were aggressive on the offensive end outshooting the Bulldogs 14-3 for the game, including a 10-1 advantage in the decisive second half of play. Redshirt-freshman Karra Damascus led the squad with three shot attempts.

Junior goalkeeper Marisa Abbott, who was making just her second appearance of the season, earned her second consecutive shutout without facing a shot on goal.

"I was very proud of our effort today," said HPU head coach Michelle Rayner. "We played with a great sense of purpose, especially in the offensive third. This was a huge road win to open Big South play. I thought that we got a total team effort. I am very pleased that we finished our month-long road stretch with a victory and I know we are all excited and looking forward to playing in front of a great home crowd on Saturday night."

High Point completed a seven-game stretch of road games with a 4-1-2 mark. The Panthers host Big South rival Winthrop on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the squad's first home appearance since Aug. 31. The game is a featured part of HPU's Alumni and Family Weekend festivities and will be highlighted by a pregame tailgate party beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Vert Stadium.