LANGHORNE, PA- The Highlanders hosted the Gators of Notre Dame (MD) University this afternoon, emerging victorious in the CSAC matchup by a score of 2-1. 

Cairn came out incredibly strong in the first half of play, buoyed by confidence in their keeper and back line the Highlanders pressed the Gator defense over nearly the entire opening half of play. Payton Emerick and Courtney Novak each had excellent chances over the first 10 minutes that were denied by Gator keeper Loren Pardoe. Emerick would not be denied, as the striker found the back of the net in the 24th minute. Sara Hayduchok dodged a defender and crossed into the middle of the box where Emerick met the ball and coolly blasted her 5th goal of the season into the back of the net. 

Hayduchok got on the board with a goal of her own, her 9th of the season, in the very beginning of the second half. However, after Hayduchok's goal, a switch was flipped and the Gators bombarded the Highlander net for the remainder of the half. Meghan Conner brought the score within one in the 58th minute, but keeper Mackenzie Paugh would shut the Notre Dame (MD) offense down over the rest of the half. Paugh was simply fantastic in net, showing her experience by charging to cover up countless Gator through balls and parrying away multiple shots that were headed for the goal. Cairn showed great composure in a close game, and finished up the 2-1 victory to achieve their 5th win of the season.

The Highlanders will travel to Keystone College for another conference matchup this Saturday at 1:00 PM.