HIGH POINT, N.C. — At first glance, the High Point University women's soccer captains knew their non-conference schedule was going to be tough.

Within the first five games, the Panthers faced three teams — Liberty University, Clemson University and Virginia Tech — who have all been nationally ranked at some point this season.

"We competed well in every game and were able to prove to ourselves that we can compete with any team in the country when we play our game," HPU senior Ella Vaughn said. "These games were tough, no question about it, but they built character and grit within the team."

The Panthers didn't get a result in the win column until the fourth game versus West Georgia, but the captains in Tessa Carlin, Alex DePerno and Vaughn knew the victories were going to come.

That the rowdy environments and gritty performances would shape the Panthers for when they kicked off Big South Conference play at home versus Longwood on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

"We had some tough games during non-conference, where we played well but didn't always get the results we wanted," Carlin said. "But those are the games we learned the most and have prepared us for conference play. We know the level of play that is expected from us and what it will take to win going forward."

When HPU shutout the Wolves on Aug. 29, it boosted the team's morale and proved what the team was capable of. Since that 4-0 victory, the Panthers have gone 3-1-2 with their lone loss being at Virginia Tech — in a game that could have gone either way.

Over the past six games, the Panthers have outscored opponents 9-4 while Aubrey McKessy has four clean sheets in goal and two players — Carlin and Meg Roden — have two goals apiece and Megan Garmey has a team-leading two assists.

DePerno reiterated the defense — led by herself and fellow seniors Vaughn and Garmey — has really honed in on setting the standard as a whole, which is vital to carry into conference play.

Vaughn echoed her teammate's testaments.

"The backline has been extremely focused on staying disciplined for a full 90 minutes," Vaughn said. "Defensively we say all the time, 'It starts with us,' and we try and set the defensive tone for the rest of the team. Maintaining this defensive focus will serve us well entering conference; I believe we have the ability to shutout any team we face with this mentality."

The Panthers' recipe to success began on the first day of preseason in July when the culture and belief began to cultivate.

It's why when adversity hit early the team didn't waver, but instead stayed together and continued to work towards the ultimate goal of winning the team's 14th Big South Championship and first since 2021.

"I am beyond excited for this team," Vaughn said. "The amount of talent and commitment we have is well enough to win us a championship. Playing our game and doing what we do best can and will win us a championship this year. The seniors know what it feels like to win but also the focus and commitment it takes to do so. We want to feel that again."