The High Point University women's soccer used an aggressive offense on Friday night handing Marshall a 3-1 defeat in the opening game of the Thundering Herd Nike Invitational.

The Panthers, 1-2-2, matched their season goal total against Marshall (2-3-0) in earning HPU's first victory of the season. High Point posted a 19-9 edge in total shots and also led 7-0 in corner kick attempts.

"It is definitely rewarding to get a win," said HPU head coach Michelle Rayner. "This was a great road win victory for this team. We played well as a unit. I thought we got solid play from everyone on the field."

High Point got things started early in the opening half taking a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute (13:58) as senior Alex Torriero headed a loose ball in the six-yard box past the Marshall goalkeeper. Torriero connected with the ball after fellow senior Amy Anzovino sent the ball in front of the net off a free kick.

The Panthers added their second goal in the 34th minute (33:16) when junior Leslie Long ran down a ball slipped through the Herd backline by sophomore Laura Eldridge and tucked the ball into an open net after beating the goalie.

Holding a 2-0 advantage at the break, HPU added their final score of the night as Eldridge buried a shot from 18-yards out in the 50th minute (49:10). Senior Megan Fielden floated a ball into the box for High Point on a free kick finding senior Karolina Straby, who toe poked a pass setting up Eldridge for the tally.

Marshall avoided the shutout with a score in the 63rd minute (62:49) as Kassie Holman took advantage of an HPU defensive lapse for the unassisted goal that made the final score, 3-1.

HPU senior goalkeeper Hannah Nail earned the victory after recording three saves over the 90 minutes of play. A pair of Herd netminders combined for seven saves as High Point posted 12 shots on goal on the night.

High Point concludes play at the Nike Invitational on Sunday at 11:30 a.m., against the Samford Bulldogs.