Four straight goals in the first half led the Georgia Gwinnett College women's soccer team to a resounding 4-2 victory at No. 23-ranked Truett-McConnell University (Georgia) Saturday night in Cleveland, Georgia. The team's third straight victory evens the Grizzlies' record to 3-3 for the spring season.

After allowing a penalty kick goal in the eighth minute, GGC turned up the pressure on the previously unbeaten Bears (12-1-1) to score four times throughout the rest of the first half. Sophomore Kyara Armenta squared the match in the 19th minute by scoring off a free kick from senior Gabby Bishop.

Junior Addie Adame gave the visitors a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute when she converted a ball that had been deflected by the Truett-McConnell goalkeeper. The Grizzlies scored twice in the final three minutes of the opening half on goals from junior Ellie Todd and sophomore Victoria Watson to take a 4-1 lead into halftime.

Truett-McConnell's Ashleigh Smitherman netted her second goal of the match to bring the Bears within two goals, 4-2, in the 76th minute. However, the hosts could not threaten any more in the match.

GGC registered 13 of its 22 shots on goal, including 11 shots on goal during the strong first half. Adame and Armenta each attempted four shots for the team in the match.

The Grizzlies have scored three or more goals in four consecutive matches.
  "This was one of the better high-pressure 45 minutes of play we have had this season. (Truett-McConnell) wanted to possess the ball while we wanted to apply pressure. Today pressure won out in this match. We showed a lot of character by bouncing back from the early wakeup call and respond with a goal. Addie (Adame) and Svenja Zengaffinen were superstars tonight by providing pressure in the midfield," said Head Coach Dr. Mike Giuliano.
  The Grizzlies turned a 2-1 advantage into a 4-1 halftime edge with two goals in the last three minutes of the first half. Junior Ellie Todd converted a scoring chance created by junior Grace Bullock in the 43rd minute. Sixty-seven seconds later, sophomore Victoria Watson scored off a corner kick from senior Gabby Bishop to complete the strong first half.
  8' – Ashleigh Smitherman, TMU (penalty kick)
19' – Kyara Armenta, GGC (Gabby Bishop)
26' – Addie Adame, GGC (unassisted)
43' – Ellie Todd, GGC (Grace Bullock)
44' – Victoria Watson, GGC (Gabby Bishop)
76' – Ashleigh Smitherman, TMU (unassisted)
 

• The Grizzlies attempted 22 shots, including 13 shots on goal, in the 90 minutes of action
• GGC held a 22-10 shot advantage in the match
• The team has scored three or more goals in four straight matches
• Junior Addie Adame and sophomore Kyara Armenta each attempted four shots for the Grizzlies

• GGC improves to 3-3 on the season, while Truett-McConnell dropped to 12-1-1 during the 2020-21 campaign
• Truett-McConnell was ranked No. 23 in the first NAIA Top 25 poll
• The Grizzlies have won all four meetings with the Bears, including twice on the road

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to Brewton-Parker College (Georgia) on Thursday, March 11, in Mount Vernon, Georgia, starting at noon.