HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University women's soccer team celebrated Senior Day with a massive 3-1 win as the Panthers ran past Big South Conference foe opponent Charleston Southern University Saturday afternoon.
SITE: Vert Stadium
SCORE: High Point 3, Charleston Southern 1
RECORDS: High Point (5-4-6, 3-1-2), Charleston So. (7-4-3, 2-2-1)
Head Coach Aaron McGuiness: "I thought the first half we were very dominate and controlled the game. We were unfortunate with a few opportunities there, but we came out of the first half, 2-nil. In the first part of the second half, we were doing well, and I think as the game went on we got a little sloppy and tight; however, we made some changes there and scoring with seven minutes to go, it was impactful and sealed the game out for us. All in all, a good performance."
Before kickoff, the Panthers honored eight seniors —
Ellyn Casto,
Skyler Prillaman Shults,
Kristarae Poell,
Marthina Aguirre,
Emma Schossler,
Alex DePerno,
Bri Davis, and
Fain Buete — with a ceremony that saw the student-athletes accompanied by their loved ones with childhood photos on the video board.
The celebration continued into play as the Panthers netted two first-half goals while out-shooting the Buccaneers 12-1 in the first 45 minutes alone. In the 26th minute, Buete, a fifth-year senior, netted her second penalty kick and fourth goal of the season to put HPU ahead for good. She was put into position to score after Emily Mashinkski was pushed in the box to draw the PK.
Just before half,
Tessa Carlin juked out two defenders to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead in the 43rd minute. It was her first score since netting a pair versus NC State in September.
"We talked a lot and worked on a lot of controlling the game, circulating play, not forcing," McGuiness said of the first half, "and not rushing things and making sure we are in good spots and able to build up the field. They executed it really well and it kind of takes care of itself on the defensive side."
Charleston Southern was more active with shots in the second half — firing off eight to the Panthers' eight and 12 total in the final 45 minutes — as the Bucs got a goal in the 70th minute to cut the deficit in half. The senior Casto leaped for a save, but Dakota Fiedler followed the rebound to score CSU's only goal. Casto secured three total saves.
In the 82nd minute, Carlin netted her second goal as
Carly Smith dished out a perfect assist for her first of the season to give the Panthers an insurance goal.
"It's always one of those days where you want to walk away with a victory," McGuiness said, "and this is our final home game and we've done that. We did it in good fashion. It's just a sign of respect for the seniors when you're able to accomplish those things."
Up Next: HPU travels to Gardner-Webb University Wednesday for a mid-week Big South tilt, beginning at 7 p.m.
