High Point University junior Laura Eldridge scored three goals to lead the Panthers to a 4-0 shutout over Alabama A&M in the opening round of the MTSU Soccer Classic at Blue Raider Field on Friday night.

Eldridge, a native of Knoxville, Tenn., posted her first career hat trick for HPU as High Point upped its season tally to 2-1-3. The loss dropped Alabama A&M to 1-3-0.

The Panthers dominated the action in the game out-shooting the Bulldogs, 32-9, including a 14-4 advantage in shots on goal. Eldridge was one of six players to record multiple shot attempts finishing with five that were all on frame, while freshman Laura Shupe paced the squad with six shots.
 
"I was very proud of our effort tonight," said HPU head coach Michelle Rayner. "We have been working on finishing our scoring chances and tonight we were able to complete several opportunities. This was a very impressive road victory for our team. I hope that we can carry this momentum into Sunday's game."

Redshirt-freshman Karra Damascus notched her second goal of the season to open the scoring for High Point in the 20th minute of play (19:17). Damascus finished a cross to the front of the net from sophomore Sara Rager. The score marked the second consecutive game that Damascus and Rager have teamed up for a Panther goal.

Eldridge tallied her first goal of the season and the night at the 24:21 mark to give HPU a 2-0 advantage in the first half. Her first score was a result of a 30-yard blast past A&M goalkeeper Racquel Johnson.

Early in the second half, Eldridge earned her second goal after finding the back of the net on a penalty kick. She completed her career best night with her third score at the 63:41 mark. Eldridge chased down a deflected pass in the goal box and slotted a shot past Johnson.

HPU's freshman tandem of goalkeepers, Andrea Ritchie and Kendra Edwards, combined to record the squad's third shutout this season. Ritchie finished with one save in the first half while Edwards collected a trio of saves in the second half to keep AAMU off the board.

High Point concludes play at the MTSU Soccer Classic on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm CT against the tournament-host Blue Raiders.