The High Point University women's soccer team opened the 2005 season with a hard-fought but disappointing 5-0 loss to in-state rival North Carolina State on Friday night at Albion Millis Stadium.

The Wolfpack (1-0) used an aggressive offense and solid defense to keep the Panthers (0-1) off-balance all evening. N.C. State outshot High Point 16-3 including a 12-0 edge in the opening half.

"We were poor tonight," said High Point head coach Michelle Rayner, who made her career debut for the Panthers in the game. "We will need to get better very quickly. We will work harder because we are not going to be an average team. I did see some positive signs in the second half but they were few and far between. Hopefully, we can refocus and come ready to play on Sunday."

High Point turned some things around in the second half nearly matching the 'Pack in shot attempts 4-3 and also earned a slight edge in corner kick attempts.

Carol Tognetti scored the first goal of the game just four minutes into play on an assist from NCSU freshman Lindsay Vera. Vera followed with a goal of her own in the 35th minute. Mallory Schmidt concluded the opening half scoring when she beat HPU keeper Courtney Noel with under a minute to play in the stanza. The goal proved extra costly for the Panthers as Noel left the game with an injury during the play.

Ashleagh Dingle (51st minute) and Lydia McBath (53rd minute) rounded out the scoring for the Wolfpack.

The Panthers have little time to rest as they return to action on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. against the Citadel. Admission to the game is free.

(Picture by: Caitlin Bonner)