Welsh Sets Program Saves Record as Panthers Outlast Terriers

High Point University women's lacrosse team defeats Wofford College 16-10 as junior goalie Ava Welsh sets career saves record

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:03pm

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The High Point University Panthers women's lacrosse team traveled to Spartanburg, South Carolina to take on the Wofford College Terriers. The Panthers defeated the Terriers 16-10, with junior goalie Ava Welsh setting the program record for career saves at 305. Shannon Smith led the Panthers with a season-high five goals, while sophomore Anna Checkosky recorded her first career hat trick and added two assists.

Why it matters

This win for the High Point University women's lacrosse team is significant as it showcases the team's resilience and ability to overcome early adversity. Additionally, the record-setting performance by junior goalie Ava Welsh highlights her individual talent and leadership on the team.

The details

The Panthers got off to a slow start, trailing the Terriers early on. However, they were able to rally and take a 7-4 lead into halftime. In the second half, the teams traded goals, but High Point was able to pull away late, outscoring Wofford 9-6 in the final two quarters. Shannon Smith had a standout game for the Panthers, scoring a season-high five goals. Sophomore Anna Checkosky also had a career day, recording her first collegiate hat trick and adding two assists.

  • The game took place on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • Ava Welsh set the program record for career saves, now at 305.

The players

Ava Welsh

A junior goalie for the High Point University women's lacrosse team who set the program record for career saves at 305.

Shannon Smith

A player for the High Point University women's lacrosse team who led the way with a season-high five goals in the win over Wofford.

Anna Checkosky

A sophomore player for the High Point University women's lacrosse team who recorded her first career hat trick and added two assists in the win.

Lyndsey Boswell

The head coach of the High Point University women's lacrosse team.

Wofford College Terriers

The opponent of the High Point University women's lacrosse team in this game.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really proud of the way that the girls fought through a little adversity early in the game. We had a slow start, and we executed the game plan in the second half. I'm just really proud of the way that they stuck with each other. I'm so proud of Ava [Welsh]. Like she said, she didn't have the best day today, but even on her worst days, she still finds a way to make saves for us and give us a spark at the right times, and she's a joy to coach. She's a great player. She's an even better person, and I've really enjoyed developing her leadership this year as a captain.”

— Lyndsey Boswell, Head Coach

“I never really thought about breaking a record or anything like that. I really give a lot of credit to my unit. I didn't have the best game today, and they still have my back with everything. They make making saves so much easier. They alleviate so much pressure on me. I'm not the only one out there. I'm not the only one stopping the ball. It helps me to be at my best and to perform at my best, and I really think it comes down to just having fun with my unit.”

— Ava Welsh, Junior Goalie

What’s next

The Panthers will head back home for a Wednesday evening contest against the Radford University Highlanders on April 8 at 6:00 p.m.

The takeaway

This game showcases the resilience and team-first mentality of the High Point University women's lacrosse squad. Despite a slow start, they were able to rally together and secure a convincing victory, led by standout performances from Shannon Smith, Anna Checkosky, and record-setting goalie Ava Welsh. The Panthers' ability to overcome adversity and support one another is a testament to their strong team culture and coaching.