The High Point University women's soccer team claimed the Big South Championship by defeating USC Upstate in a tense match that ended in a 1-1 tie, followed by a 7-6 victory in penalty kicks. This victory marks the Panthers' eighth title in program history and makes them the first No. 4 seed to win the championship since 1998. High Point's resilience was tested when they played a man down for the entire match due to an early red card but ultimately prevailed through strong defense and critical saves.

By the Numbers
  • High Point: 1 goal (7 PKs), USC Upstate: 1 goal (6 PKs)
  • High Point's record: 5-9-5; USC Upstate's record: 10-6-3
State of Play
  • The Panthers equalized with less than a minute left in regulation, forcing overtime.
  • Aubrey McKessy secured the championship with a crucial save during penalty kicks.
What's Next

High Point University will find out their NCAA Tournament destination during the Selection Show on November 10 at 4:00 p.m., streamed live on NCAA.com, marking a potential new chapter for the champions.

Bottom Line

The Panthers showcased extraordinary determination and teamwork, leveraging a final-minute equalizer and a standout performance in penalty kicks to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament, emphasizing the importance of resilience and grit in sports.