SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers got the 2004 season off to a rough start on Saturday, dropping a 4-0 decision to NAIA powerhouse Ohio Dominican in the first round of the annual Wittenberg Invitational.

The Panthers jumped on top right away, scoring a goal less than a minute into the game and then completely stunning everyone in attendance with two more goals for a 3-0 lead before the game was even eight minutes old. Ohio Dominican added a fourth goal late in the second half.

Wittenberg was only outshot 24-20 for the game, but few of the Tigers' scoring chances were directly on goal. The Tigers started Adam Horrocks in goal, and he allowed three scores while turning away three ODU chances. Ben McAnnis-Entenman saw about 35 minutes of action in the second half, and he allowed one goal while recording two saves. Ohio Dominican's two goaltenders were credited with eight saves for the game.

ODU advanced to the championship game of the Wittenberg Invitational, scheduled for 3 p.m. on Sunday against defending champion Otterbein. Wittenberg will play the consolation game against Notre Dame College, a 1-0 loser to Otterbein in the day's other semifinal. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m. on Sunday.