What you need to know:

*Georgia State opened the regular season with a 5-0 victory over Alabama State.

*Suzanne Arafa scored a career-high three goals against the Hornets.

*The Panthers home opener will be against Kennesaw State on Aug. 24.

MONTGOMERY- The Georgia State women's soccer cruised to a 5-0 victory at Alabama State on Friday night in the regular season opener. Suzanne Arafa scored a hat-trick, setting a career-high for goals scored in a single game.

Lauren Harriman scored the first goal of the game, with an assist from Rebecca Copeland. Harriman had four total shots and one assist. Callie O'Connor scored second for the Panthers, and had three total shots.

Before the game went to the half, Arafa scored the first of her three goals of the night. She had four total shots, all on goal, setting a career high for shots in a game.

The Panthers out-shot the Hornets 19-6, improving on last week's 13 shots. The team was also able to consistently rotate players, giving several girls the chance to see the field.

“Tonight we kicked off the season right. It was great for the girls to get the win. Now we're turning our focus to Monday night's home opener against Kennesaw,” head coach Derek Leader said about the victory.

The team has its home opener against Kennesaw State on Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.