RADFORD, V.A. - Winthrop kicked off Big South play Saturday night against defending conference champion Radford at Cupp Stadium. The Eagles waged a hard fought battle with the Highlanders, but a 79th minute goal from Radford's Gabi Paupst proved to be the difference maker. Radford won the match 1-0 to drop Winthrop to 2-4 overall on the season and 0-1 in Big South play. With the win, Radford is now 7-2 overall on the season with a 1-0 mark in Big South play. 

Paupst's finish came off a corner kick, one of 21 Radford shots throughout the contest. Eagle goalkeeper Ashlynn Harris made 8 saves Saturday, including multiple in succession in a 68th minute stretch that kept the game scoreless for the time being. 

Winthrop managed 10 shots for the match, five of them on goal. Natalie Royaards and Gabi Hull had three shots apiece, with shots also coming from Alexandra Perez (2), Clara Conboy (1) and Lexi Sheely (1). The Eagles had several quality chances against Radford keeper Courtenay Kaplan, but could not finish any to the back of the net as Kaplan ended the night with five saves on ten shots faced. 

Winthrop returns to the pitch Saturday, September 28 when the Eagles host Campbell for a 1 p.m. kickoff from Eagle Field. Saturday's match will be streamed on ESPN. 

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