HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point University women's soccer team earned its first win of the season behind a standout performance from
Sabba Haghgoo, who recorded her first collegiate hat trick in a 4-0 victory over Marshall University at Vert Stadium.
"The energy started in the locker room," McGuiness said. "We talked about it this week and felt as though we needed that energy to be felt through everyone. I really commend the ladies because they did a great job with that. They brought the energy before the goal was even there. I think the goal just elevated it more, and when the second and third went in, it was solidified. Their energy was great throughout the entire game."
Haghgoo broke through for a career performance, recording her first collegiate multi-goal game and finishing with three goals. After totaling 12 shots through the opening stretch of the season, Haghgoo turned that pressure into production with a career-high scoring effort.
"I obviously could not have done it without my team and my team's support," Haghgoo said. "It was definitely frustrating, the first two games without scoring and the two losses, so I think we all just went in with a good mindset knowing that we had nothing to lose. I just went out there and shot the ball. I'm happy it went in. The adrenaline was up, and we played amazing. This will really set the tone for the rest of the season."
Haghgoo scored back-to-back goals in the first half, with only six minutes separating the two. Her first goal came off an assist from goalkeeper
Nylah Mirshafiei, who sent the ball forward from inside her own penalty box. Haghgoo added her second goal after Marshall's goalkeeper came off her line, allowing Haghgoo to react quickly and finish into an open net.
Morgan Wilcox extended the lead to 3-0 with 21 minutes remaining in the first half, finishing a chance created by
Abbie Zubrzycki. The team effort put the Panthers firmly in control before halftime.
The first-half scoring output marked High Point's largest total in a half since the 2024 season, when the Panthers scored four goals on senior night against UNC Asheville.
"Having the biggest lead in the first half since 2024 shows what an awesome job the players did to achieve that, and hopefully we can make that statistic bigger and more consistent," McGuiness said.
"The game had not finished yet," McGuiness said. "We do not only play 45 minutes; we play 90. That was the message after halftime. We had to lock that down and make sure that we won the game. There is an excellent performance in having a shutout and scoring four goals. That is always a great day."
Mirshafiei claimed her first win and shutout with the Panthers, recording eight saves on 18 shots while also contributing an assist during her 90 minutes of play.
Kasey Resker recorded an assist on Haghgoo's third goal in the second half.
Aubrey Bally and
Ally Ruiz each added a shot on goal to help complete the Panthers' strong performance at Vert Stadium.
The Panthers return to action Sunday, August 23, at 1 p.m. in Greenville, N.C., where they will face East Carolina University.
