HIGH POINT, N.C. – Finn McRobb has led the High Point University men's soccer team to its fifth consecutive Big South Championship game. The senior captain has had himself a career year.
 
"Finn has had as good of a season as any center back in the country," HPU head coach Zach Haines said. "He has made a massive impact with and without the ball and as one of our two captains. He will certainly go down as one of the best players in programs history."
 
Starting in every game played (16), McRobb has netted a career-high five goals, with two of those being against Big South opponents. In his first three seasons with the Panthers, he netted three goals total.
 
"I honestly thought if I could get three-plus goals that would be a good target," McRobb said. "I am glad I've been able to contribute in that way this season. It's something that I worked on a lot during the offseason, and I think the relationship I have with Jefferson (Amaya) has been key to me getting more opportunities as we have really worked hard together to find ways for me to get on the end of his crosses more often.
 
Following the regular season, McRobb was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year for his stellar performance on the pitch. His five goals placed McRobb seventh in the Big South in goals scored, which also earned him first team honors.
 
"It was really nice to be named defensive player of the year," McRobb said.  "I have missed out the last few years, so it was good to have the hard work I've put in pay off."
 
High Point finished the regular season first in the Big South with an overall record of 9-3-4 and 6-0-1 in conference action. McRobb has played in the Big South Tournament all four years of his career at High Point.
 
"I think that making it to the final for four years in a row speaks a lot about the winning mentality and consistent high standards we set ourselves as a team," McRobb said. "The coaching staff have done so much since I have been here to help keep improving the program, so to see that materialize into four straight finals feels really rewarding to be a part of."
 
As the No. 1 seed heading into the conference tournament, High Point played No. 4 Gardner-Webb on Nov. 5. This is the second time the two teams have seen each other this season. The first matchup resulted in a 1-1 draw, while the Big South Semifinal game was a real nailbiter as HPU came away with the 1-0 victory in overtime.
 
"Gardner-Webb definitely brought our toughest conference game of the season so far," McRobb said. "I was just proud of everyone that we were able to deal with all the challenges the game brought. It was a very resilient performance from everyone, and it was extra special for me as I got to play in front of my parents, which I don't get to do very often."
 
The Panthers are looking for their second trophy this year as they take on UNC Asheville in the conference championship on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. at Vert Stadium.