Box Score The High Point University women's basketball team fell to Southeastern Conference opponent, University of South Carolina, 71-35 on Friday night in the Colonial Center. The contest marked the season opener for both squads.

Leading the way for the Panthers was senior Katie O'Dell with 11 points. Candyce Sellars added seven in the loss.

Game leading scorer was Lauren Simms for the Gamecocks with 12. Demetress Adams added 11 while Melanie Johnson knocked in 10. Adams had a double-double in tonight's game, pulling down 12 rebounds in addition to her scoring performance.

South Carolina jumped out to an early lead and were up 12-2 five minutes into the ballgame. The Gamecocks led by as much as 21 points in the first half and entered halftime with a 19 point advantage.

The Panthers got onto the board first in the second half when Raven Truslow knocked down a free-throw, but the Gamecock lead proved too much for the Panthers.

The Gamecocks out rebounded the Panthers 58-33. USC's defense held HPU to .200 shooting percentage, blocked 11 shots and forced 24 turnovers. The Gamecocks shot .469 from the floor and turned the ball over 23 times.

High Point will return home on Tuesday, Nov. 22 to face Mars Hill College. Game time is set for 7 p.m. in the Millis Center.