ELON, N.C. — On a rainy Sunday night, the High Point University women's soccer team gave relentless effort to end Triad rival Elon University's winning streak in a scoreless draw, 0-0.
SITE: Rudd Field
SCORE: High Point 0, Elon 0
RECORDS: High Point (3-4-2), Elon (5-0-1)
Head Coach Aaron McGuiness: "It was a very solid defensive performance. It was nice to get another shutout. The back line has been very solid; with two games in a row without conceding is a really, really good thing going into conference for us. Everyone dug in deep and worked hard for 90 minutes. Offensively, we had some opportunities where we were unlucky as their keeper saved a few. All in all, it was a good performance leading into conference play against a very good team."
The defense made play after play, a trend that is becoming common lately. Over the past six games, the Panthers have allowed only four goals while shutting out as many teams: West Georgia, UNC Greensboro, UMBC and Elon.
HPU bodied Phoenix defenders all night, halting scoring attempts and securing yet another clean sheet.
Ella Vaughn and
Tessa Carlin were a pair of Panthers with quality tackles to help
Aubrey McKessy post her fourth shutout in seven starts, including the second straight.
Megan Garmey and
Alex DePerno were top-notch on the back line to assist in yet another masterful goose egg.
The offense had more chances in the first half as
Lindsey DeHaven and
Ally Ruiz tested the keeper. In the second half, DePerno ripped one high just above the cross bar.
Elon had 12 shots to HPU's five, but the Panthers had four shots on goal to the Phoenix' two.
Up Next: The Panthers have 10 days off before welcoming Longwood to Vert Stadium to begin Big South Conference play on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.
