CHARLESTON, SC_-In what was a tough, physical match, the High Point Panthers defeated the Lady Bulldogs by a 2-0 score Thursday night in the opening round of the 2009 Big South Conference Women's Soccer Championship at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C.

The Panthers were on the attack early as senior Laura Eldridge tried to put a shot past freshman goalkeeper Samantha Rupert in the fifth minute, but was unsuccessful.  Gardner-Webb answered right back with a shot by sophomore Megan Reimer that was just wide of the goal, and a blast from 30 yards out by sophomore Megan Tremblay that was saved by Panther senior keeper Marisa Abbott.  Both teams had scoring opportunities throughout the first half, as both teams had two shots on goal at the half, but neither were able to find the back of the net.

Things quickly changed in the second half of play as the Panthers were able to score in the 66^th minute when Katie Taber scored following a crossing pass from Courtney Spotts.  Just seven minutes later, High Point was able to find the back of the net once again when Robin Pecoraro blasted a shot from the top of the 18-yard box.

The Lady Bulldogs had a few more chances to score throughout the second half, but were unable to put any shots past Abbott.  Senior Kasey Gladhill had a shot in the 84^th minute that hit the post, and two shots on goal in the 87^th minute.

High Point moves on to face Radford in the tournament semifinals Friday evening at 7:00 PM, while Gardner-Webb ends the 2009 season with an overall record of 12-9-0.