HIGHLAND, Kan. - An early-season position change for Shirdaria Pottard started to pay dividends for Highland (1-3-3, 1-0-1 KJCCC) as the freshman assisted on the game-winning goal and added an early second-half goal for the Scotties in a 2-0 win over Neosho County (1-3-1, 0-1-1 KJCCC) on Wednesday.

The echoes of the whistle from the opening kickoff were still bouncing off of the Walters Wellness Center as the Scotties opened the scoring. Pottard found Carrier with a nice through ball, which the Portland, Ore., striker tucked inside the left post.

Highland held most of the possession through the rest of the first half but weren't able to find a second until after the break.

In the 48th minute, the Scotties forced a turnover in the midfield but weren't able to immediately secure possession. The ball finally fell to the feet of Rianne Shaffer-Byers, who elegantly dragged the ball back into space and made eye contact with Pottard. As the freshman put her head down and sprinted toward the goal, Shaffer-Byers dropped a perfect long ball into stride, giving Pottard room to take a settling touch and shoot from 20 yards out.

Like the first half, Highland held the bulk of the possession, but was considerably more successful in generating offensive chances.

In the 68th minute, Maria Julia Neves Plens forced a turnover in HCC's attacking third, but newcomer Madison Miller's check-back run wasn't quite deep enough to bring her back into an onside position.

Suri Escobedo almost found net for Highland in the 71st minute, combining for a nifty give-and-go, but her shot was just over the crossbar.

McKenna Glade showed off her speed to snuff a pair of desperate attempts from the Panthers, venturing just outside the box in the 72nd minute into a crowd to intercept a long freekick and play it to Carrier's feet. She raced a bit further from goal in the 77th minute, reading a long ball well and beating Neosho's attacker to the pass. Glade was able to find Abby Rash on her right with a deft touch.

Neosho's best opportunity came in the 78th minute, as Imogen Flint found herself in the penalty area with the ball. As she dribbled out toward the corner looking to set up a cross, her legs got tangled up with Sydnee Pope and both tumbled to the ground in the corner of the 18-yard box. No whistle sounded and the Scotties were able to play it out for a throw in.

Escobedo nearly found net for Highland in the 85th minute, as a low cross from Neves Plens was bobbled and spilled just inside the six-yard box. Escobedo reached out to punch the ball home, but her effort was just moments late as Neosho cleared it off the line and out of danger.

The Scotties continue KJCCC play on Monday, traveling to Johnson County Community College. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.