The High Point University volleyball team opened the 2007 season with a victory over North Carolina A&T before falling to Austin Peay in their second match of the day at the Triad Challege played at HPU's Millis Athletic Center.

The Panthers (1-1) got things rolling early posting a 3-0 (30-16, 30-12, 30-22) victory over the Aggies (0-2). After winning the first game versus APSU (2-0), HPU saw the Lady Govs rally for the 3-1 (19-30, 31-29, 30-27, 30-23) win in the nightcap.

"Overall, today was a pretty positive day," said HPU head coach Chad Esposito. "We did some good things, but we committed some costly unforced errors in the second match. It was good to have our freshmen earn some quality experience today. We definitely have some things we can build on today, we just need to get refocused and get back to work on Saturday."

Against North Carolina A&T, HPU saw 14 players earn time on the court including five true freshmen making their collegiate debuts. Sophomore Audie Gonzalez led the team with 12 kills while senior Jamie Kaufman chipped in with 11 kills. HPU got solid offensive performances from the freshmen middle blocker tandem of Anna Lott and Stephanie Wallin, who both finished with eight kills. Rookie libero Julie Hershkowitz led the Panther defense with nine digs.

In their match with Austin Peay, High Point was led by Kaufman's 17 kills. In game two of the contest, Kaufman became HPU's Division I career leader in kills surpassing former Panther record holder TracyAnn Price's total of 1,359. Kaufman also added 11 digs to record her first double-double of the season.

Gonzalez paced the HPU defense finishing with 23 digs to go along with her 13 kills while Hershkowitz added 22 digs. Lott finished with five blocks to lead the Panther frontline at the net.

Austin Peay boasted a trio of 20+ dig performers led by Kristen Kirch's match-high 28. Dodi Szymska topped all offensive performers with 20 kills.

High Point dominated play in the opening game and served for the game two victory with the score 29-28, before the Lady Govs scored three straight points to even the match score at one and then rallied with victories in the following two frames.

In other tournament action on Friday, Austin Peay defeated Kennesaw State, 3-0 (30-20, 30-26, 30-24) in the first match of the day and KSU topped A&T, 3-0 (30-21, 32-30, 30-23) in match No. 3.

The Triad Challenge concludes with another round of matches on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. when High Point hosts Kennesaw State. The Owls will then battle UNC Wilmington at 1:30 p.m. before HPU and UNCW close tournament play at 4 p.m.