Site: High Point, N.C. (Vert Stadium)

Score: High Point 1, Gardner Webb 0

Records: HPU: 10-7-2 (8-0-2 Big South), GWU: 10-10-1 (7-3-0 Big South) 

MATTHEWS, N.C.- The High Point University women's soccer team had their season come to an end in the Big South Semifinals as Gardner Webb won 1-0. The Runnin Bulldogs scored in the 46th minute with what would ultimately be the game-winner despite being outshot by High Point 13 to seven. 

"I am really proud of the team and the effort we put in tonight, unfortunately, it just was not enough in the end." Said head coach Brandi Fontaine. "We turned the ball over and they had a moment an executed on an opportunity that we gave them and unfortunately the ball did not hit the back of the net for us. Overall, I am really proud of the group, this one hurts a lot but I have no doubt that we will put in the work and be back again next year."

Picking up from where they left off in the regular season, it was a very competitive contest between High Point and Gardner Webb. HPU outshot the Runnin Bulldogs in the first half five to four. 

Each side had decent opportunities in the first half to get on the board first. GWU sent several hard shots at Talia Klimes who was able to make the stop each time. Klimes recorded three saves in the first half.

The Panthers had a quality to chance to score in the first half as Emma Schossler's header just missed the mark. 

Defender Shaylyn Owen provided help on the offensive side of the ball as she led HPU in shots in the first half with two.

Gardner Webb came out quickly in the second half and scored in the 46th minute of the game. After the Runnin Bulldog goal, GWU kept the pressure on and Klimes continued to make big plays. In the 49th minute, Gardner Webb's Jada Newton took a great shot that required a diving effort from Klimes as she punched it away to keep it a one-goal game. 

High Point outshot Gardner Webb eight to three in the second half. Shaylyn Owen led the team in shots with four. Brie Deel added two shots in the second half in a spirited effort off of the bench. 

Perhaps the Panthers' best chance of the night came in the 82nd minute as a great ball off a set-piece found its way to Lauren Mazich, Mazich's header was saved by GWU's Kellogg. 

With the 2019 season coming to a close for HPU, they say good bye to seven seniors who have each contributed tremendously to the program throughout their four years. The senior class has amassed 41 wins, they have won three Big South Regular season titles, A Big South tournament championship, which earned them a 2017 NCAA Tournament appearance.

"I want to say thank you to our seniors for everything that they have given us, this is not the way we had hoped to send them off but I am so proud of the season that we put together as its been one of the best seasons in our program's history. I am really thankful for all the contributions they have given to our program." Coach Fontaine said of the Class of 2020. 

The Panthers' 2019 season included their fifth Big South regular-season title. The Panthers became the only team in program history to complete an undefeated Big South regular season. HPU became the first Big South school to go undefeated since the conference expanded to ten or more teams. They are were the first Big South team to go undefeated in conference play since UNC Asheville in 2004. This 2019 broke a program record as the Panthers collected 10 Big South honors.

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