Box Score HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Goals from Georgia Barton and Jessica Beasley highlighted a historic draw for the Georgia Gwinnett women's soccer team as the team ended level 2-2 with seventh-ranked William Carey at WCU Soccer Complex.
The draw marks the first time in school history that the Grizzlies, who are currently receiving votes in the poll, have not lost to a team ranked in the NAIA Top 25, and with the result, GGC is 3-4-1 on the year. WCU moved to 6-1-1.
"I think today's match was a nice way to end this trip," GGC head coach Chris Kouns said. "To come from behind twice just two nights after playing the No. 2 team in the country says a lot about what this team can do. We put ourselves in position to win today, and even if we didn't find the winner, I have to walk away somewhat pleased. I'm really proud of the effort from the team."
The Cruasaders got off to a strong start when Savannah Carter fired the opening salvo with a goal just nine minutes into the match. However, the lead proved only temporary as Beasley scored her first goal in over a year, evening things up in the 23rd minute.
WCU would fire back five minutes later when Jamie Holifield, who supplied the assist on the game's first goal, scored one of her own to put WCU back ahead and give the hosts a 2-1 advantage at the half.
Barton would get on the end of a Tiffany Rodriguez pass in the 61st, and the Columbus native didn't let the opportunity go to waste, scoring her second goal of the season to make it 2-2.
Neither team was able to break through over the final 29 minutes of regulation or the ensuing 20 minutes of overtime, thanks in large part to the goalkeeping efforts of GGC's Courtney Hicks and WCU's Natalie Hicks as the pair combined for eight saves in the match.
GGC will return to action next Saturday when Shawnee State pays a visit to Grizzly Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
NOTES: The Grizzlies have never beaten a ranked opponent, posting an 0-7-1 record … GGC is 0-1-1 all-time vs. schools from the state of Mississippi … Kelsey Griswold, a senior defender, has played in all 63 matches in school history … GGC is 13-13-2 all-time in the month of September.
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