It was a night full of firsts for the nationally ranked Georgia Gwinnett College women's soccer team following Friday's 2-0 triumph against St. Thomas University (Fla.) at the Grizzly Soccer Complex.
It was the Grizzlies fourth consecutive victory to start season – a program first.
It also was the team's fourth straight shutout on the pitch.
And, finally, it was GGC's first-ever victory over St. Thomas in three matchups.
Georgia Gwinnett College (4-0), ranked No. 18 in the NAIA, has won each of its four matches without surrendering a goal. The team has outscored the opposition 12-0 so far this fall.
Senior
Nicole Rodriguez got the hosts on the scoreboard in the 22nd minute when the midfielder converted a scoring chance that was set up by a pass from freshman
Joy Mertzig through the St. Thomas defense.
In the second half, senior
Caitlin Berry found the back of the net on a breakaway goal.
The Grizzlies outshot St. Thomas (3-1) 31-to-4 throughout the 90-minute match. The team also attempted 13 corner kicks.
Coach's Corner
"It's pretty special that through our first four matches we're allowing an average of just four shots per match. You're not going to lose many games with that type of play. Several challenges are ahead on the schedule. However, right now, I'm very pleased with our play," said Head Coach
Dr. Mike Giuliano.
Turning Point
The Grizzlies controlled pace of play from the start of the match. The first goal of the match came as GGC got a run down the right side of the pitch. A give-and-go play between freshman
Joy Mertzig and senior
Nicole Rodriguez set up the scoring chance. The senior took advantage of nifty pass and drilled the shot into the net midway through the first half.
Goals
22' –
Nicole Rodriguez, GGC (
Joy Mertzig)
61' –
Caitlin Berry, GGC (
Victoria Bischof)
Inside The Numbers
- GGC attempted a season-high 31 shots in the victory
- The Grizzlies registered 13 corner kicks
- Freshman Joy Mertzig led the team with seven shots, while senior Lauren Moss added six shots in the match
- Nicole Rodriguez and Caitlin Berry each scored their first goals of the season; this means the team has had eight different goals scorers
News & Notes
- GGC improved to 4-0 on the season; St. Thomas fell to 3-1 this fall
- Friday's victory is the first for GGC in the three meetings played between the two programs
- The Grizzlies are 18-1-2 over their last 20 matches
- Georgia Gwinnett College has opened the season with four shutout victories for the first time in program history
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College travels to SCAD Savannah on Monday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. The contest begins a three-match road swing for the Grizzlies.
