The High Point University women's soccer team grabbed a three-goal lead and then fought off a late charge by the host MTSU Blue Raiders en route to capturing the tournament title at the MTSU Classic with a 3-2 win on Sunday afternoon at Blue Raider Field.

HPU (3-1-3) has now gone undefeated over its last six games tallying three wins and three ties. The loss, which was the first home tournament loss for MTSU in the five-year history of the event, drops the Blue Raiders to 0-3-2 this season. Laura Eldridge, Karra Damascus and Taylor Ray were all named to the All-Tournament team.

"I am really proud of this young team," said HPU head coach Michelle Rayner. "To finish off our stretch of five games in 10 days with an undefeated record is a true credit to their toughness and willingness to improve with each game. Against MTSU, we paid more attention to the small details that win games and got back to doing the things that we do well. This was a great win against a very good MTSU squad."

The Panthers wasted little time taking a 1-0 lead just 13 seconds into the match off a wild set of events. Panther senior forward Kelly Farrell saw her drive strike off the fingertips of Blue Raider goalkeeper Erynn Murray and then bounce off the cross bar and back into the field of play. Sophomore Sara Rager (pitcured) tucked home the shot from five yards out for her first goal of the year.

High Point moved in front 2-0 in the 15th minute off a corner kick. Farrell delivered an out-swinging corner kick from the far side that was met by Laura Eldridge, whose well-placed header that slipped between two Blue Raider defenders and into the back of the net.

High Point took a 3-0 lead in the 59th minute on a goal by redshirts-freshman Karra Damascus. A miscommunication on a cross between the Blue Raider backline and substitute goalkeeper Kela Casiple led to a bouncing ball in the box that Damascus tucked home an easy strike from seven yards. It marked the third consecutive game that Damascus has tallied a goal.

Vanessa Mueggler got a goal back for MTSU just seven seconds later, beating High Point freshman goalkeeper Andrea Ritchie from 30 yards for her second goal of the season.

The Blue Raiders made it a one-goal game in the 76th minute when midfielder Hope Suominen received a ball with her back to goal in the center of the field. The midfielder turned to find Shan Jones making a streaking run into box for a score from just seven yards out.

The Panther defense tightened up over the remainder of the game to secure the victory. MTSU outshot HPU 19-11 for the game but eight of High Point's attempts went on frame. Ritchie earned her third victory of the season after recording five saves for High Point.

High Point will enjoy a well-deserved week off from competition, before continuing their month-long stretch of road games at the College of Charleston on Saturday at 7 p.m.