Box Score LAWRENCEVILLE – For stretches on Wednesday night, the perfect home record for the Georgia Gwinnett women's soccer team seemed to be in doubt, but in the end, it was an impressive strike from Amy Morland that kept the Grizzly streak going as the team knocked off Reinhardt (Ga.) 2-1 in double overtime at Grizzly Soccer Complex.
"I was very proud of the way we came out and put pressure on Reinhardt tonight," GGC head coach Chris Kouns said. "Consistency has been an issue for us this season, but I was very happy with our response after that match at Cumberland. It was a really gutsy performance, and a lot of that rests on the shoulders of Jessica Beasley and Tiffany Rodriguez, who've dealt with some injuries in the last week. They really helped get us back on track tonight."
The winning goal, which was Morland's third score of the season, came less than three minutes into the second overtime period. Lauren Moss and Stina Andersson contributed to a quick build-up play in the midfield before playing it to Morland's feet. The sophomore out of Australia immediately took on a pair of Eagle defenders before firing it into the back of the net to bring the match to an end.
"Amy had a really good game for us tonight," Kouns said. "She came out and fought hard all night, and that's the kind of fight that we need to show every match. She got that last goal through sheer will, and that's what we need. People who are going to will us forward, regardless of who we're playing. If you have the will to win, you'll be able to do good things."
The win improved GGC's record to 6-5-1 on the year, including a 6-0 mark at Grizzly Soccer Complex. Meanwhile, Reinhardt, which was receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 poll, saw its six-match winning streak snapped as they fell to 9-2-1.
Morland was also involved in the other Grizzly goal on the night, setting up Lina Blomqvist for the opening tally in the 14th minute. Blomqvist, who now has four goals on the year, has scored all of them over the past four matches.
Reinhardt would even the match up with an impressive finish over Grizzly goalkeeper Courtney Hicks in the 67th minute, but that was all the team could muster as they racked up 11 shots, including three on frame.
GGC will return to action on Monday against Brenau at Grizzly Soccer Complex. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
NOTES: GGC is now 2-1-1 vs. Reinhardt all-time … The Grizzlies are 19-6-2 all-time vs. schools from the state of Georgia, including 2-1 this season … GGC has outscored opponents 34-2 this season at Grizzly Soccer Complex … Defender Mary Vernetti, with 28 career goals, is GGC's all-time leading scorer … Kelsey Griswold, a senior defender has played in all 67 matches in school history … GGC is 17-4-3 all-time in the month of October.
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