BETHEL — Ayden-Grifton started strong, but North Pitt took over from there.

In the season opener for both teams, Ayden-Grifton lost 8-1 to North Pitt in boys' soccer on Tuesday.

The Chargers took an early lead thanks to a goal from senior Axel Hernandez. It was assisted by junior Jandery Angel to put the team up 1-0 after four minutes.

North Pitt would answer back quickly with two quick goals within six minutes, took a 4-1 halftime lead and added four more goals in the second half.

Ayden-Grifton went 5-11 in 2018 after winning three combined games in the two seasons prior to that. Stelly is hoping that his Chargers team will be competitive in the Eastern Carolina 2A conference.

“This was a learning experience for us,” Chargers coach Jeff Stelly said. “We definitely got punched in the mouth, but I thought we competed well. Starting the game off with a goal was nice, but we have to put it all together.”

Ayden-Grifton faces Chocowinity Southside on the road Monday.