Grand Canyon Blanks Alabama State 4-0

Sunday, September 6

Phoenix, Ariz.

1 p.m.

Grand Canyon

3-1-1

Alabama State

0-4-1

ALST

Grand Canyon

9/6/2015 3:27:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

By: GCU Scores a Season High Four Goals

Related: Box Score (PDF)

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon women's soccer team wrapped up its five-match homestand to open the 2015 season on Sunday against Alabama State. The Antelopes got back to their winning ways for their first win since Aug. 28 defeating Alabama State 4-0 for GCU's first shutout of the season. GCU improves to 3-1-1 this season.

"I thought we played very well today," head coach Stevie Gill said. "We were able to get the ball down and dictate the pace of the game and we were solid at the back with Madison Cox, Brylee Hawkins and Taylor Layton was outstanding in the middle of the park. We created plenty of chances today with 34 shots against Alabama State so we know where we need to focus our efforts this week in training."

Shannon Costello started her first game of the season and almost scored GCU's first goal of the day in the 10^th minute from the 30-yards out but her attempt hit the cross bar as the match remained scoreless.

"It was great to be able to get on the field and contribute to help my team today," Costello said. "Today showed when we are clicking we have the ability to multiple goals."
Seven minutes later McKenzie Cook would forces a foul directly outside the box, setting up a free kick for Maria Monterroso and the Guatemalan native would deliver her first goal of the season.

Five minutes later the Lopes would extend their lead to two goals with a goal from Kelsie Roberts for her second goal of the season. Brylee Hawkins sent a ball from the backline to Roberts where she placed a strike from 30-yards out for a goal in the far post.

Costello came close early in the game to scoring but in the 36^th minute she would deliver off a free kick from Kathryn Yancone. GCU was rewarded a free kick near the sideline and Yancone delivered a ball into the box where Costello placed a foot on the ball for her first career goal at Grand Canyon.

Nearly three minutes into the 2^nd half GCU would make it four goals off a Milla Benedetti goal. Deseree Doty would pick up her first career assist as she played Benedetti into the box where she took a few dribbles into the box for a goal near post. Benedetti has now scored three goals this season.

Shannon McReynolds replaced Blakely Fraasch in goal at the beginning of the second half and both goalkeepers had a clean sheet for the Lopes' first shutout of the season. Fraasch and GCU's defense allowed only two shots in the first half and Fraasch came up with two saves. McReynolds came up with three saves in her first playing action this season.

"I think we finally worked together as a unit and we were clicking the entire 90 minutes," Madison Cox said. "Shannon really stepped up today and held her own when she stepped in for Blakely so I am proud of our defense today."

Four Lopes saw playing action for the first time this season in Lea Ganzenmueller, Megan Anth, Maiah Sharma and McReynolds. GCU ended the game with a season-high 34 shots with 18 on target.

The Lopes will now head out on the road next week, Sept. 11 and 13 for their first road matches of the season. GCU will take on UTEP and the defending National Champions, Florida State.