Promoted Exeter University's return to the Men's Hockey League Premier Division ended in a 4-1 opening day defeat by East Grinstead at the University Sports Park.
James Ferguson scored Exeter's sole goal in the 46th minute to reduce the arrears to 2-1 before David Condon made it 3-1 four minutes later.
Chris Griffiths' second goal of the game put EGs out of reach.
It doesn't get any easier for Exeter, who travel to defending champions Surbiton on Saturday (1800 start).
Surbiton started their title defence with a 3-1 home win over Wimbledon.