HIGH POINT, N.C. — The Longwood women's soccer team mounted a second-half push in the Big South championship first round on Thursday, but High Point held off the Lancers for a 3-1 victory at Vert Stadium.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Longwood (6-10-2) responded with an aggressive effort after the break, generating six shots and putting High Point's defense under pressure.
The Lancers broke through in the 70th minute when sophomore Sam Fischer found the back of the net for her second goal of the season on free-kick service from junior Remi Siner. Fischer's second goal of the season cut the deficit to 2-1 and gave Longwood renewed momentum.
"The first 15 minutes we just did too much to beat ourselves with some poor defending and decision making in our defensive third," Longwood head coach Todd Dyer said. "The soccer was pretty even after that and statistically it showed we were still battling. We kept chasing the game and finally got that first goal which got us right back in the match. We kept fighting for the equalizer but in the end they had another soccer moment that put things just out of reach for us. It hurts but this group showed grit throughout the season and earned the opportunity to give it a shot in postseason. Credit to our senior captains for holding us together and leading the way. They will be dearly missed."
The Lancers continued to look for the equalizer, with Peyton Curney putting a shot on target in the 74th minute that was turned away by High Point goalkeeper Nylah Mirshafiei. Taylor Martin also tested the Panthers' defense late in the contest.
However, High Point (7-8-2) regained its two-goal cushion in the 86th minute when Sabba Haghgoo scored her second goal of the night from a sharp angle to seal the win.
The Lancers finished with 13 shots, including six on goal, compared to 12 shots and seven on target for the Panthers. Longwood goalkeeper Brynn Clagett recorded four saves.
High Point took control early, scoring in the fifth minute on an Ally Ruiz goal before Haghgoo doubled the advantage in the 14th minute off an assist from Brooke Potter.
Despite the early deficit, Longwood matched High Point with six shots apiece in the second half and continued to battle until the final whistle.
Longwood recorded 13 shots, one more than High Point in the match, forcing five saves from Mirshafiei.
The match signaled the end of the collegiate careers of Longwood captains Curney, Coryn Silberstein, Meghan Piazza and Madison Fitzpatrick.
