The resiliency of the Georgia Gwinnett College women's soccer team continues to be displayed after coming back with a 3-1 victory at USC Beaufort on Sunday afternoon in Bluffton, South Carolina – completing a busy weekend of challenging matches in warm weather conditions.

The victory came after the Grizzlies suffered a 3-1 loss at SCAD Savannah (Georgia) on Saturday afternoon.

GGC (7-4) has now won all four of its matches following a loss this season.

Sophomore Kyara Armenta scored GGC's first goal for the second straight day and her fourth tally of the season. She found the back of the net in the 26th minute after getting behind the Sand Sharks' defense following a lead pass by sophomore Victoria Watson from near midfield to the 18-yard box in front of the USC Beaufort goal. Armenta proceeded to chip the ball over the opposing goalkeeper.

The visitors added to their lead when a header from senior Ana Da Costa scored in the 43rd minute off a free kick from junior Lena Balck. It was Da Costa's first goal of the season.

The Grizzlies continued building momentum early into the second half as freshman Narissa Gaither buried a free kick in the 48th minute over the out-stretched arms of USC Beaufort goalkeeper Mariah Ruckdeschel. Both of Gaither's goals this fall have come on set piece plays.

USCB (6-3) was held to just one goal after scoring 43 goals in the team's last three matches heading into Sunday's match. The lone tally came in the 53rd minute when Madison Foshee scored off a corner kick by Mari Kalvatn.

GGC outshot the Sand Sharks by a commanding 17-9 margin, including an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. Junior Joy Mertzig led the Grizzlies with four shot attempts, while freshman Ashley Donselaar and Gaither each had three shots.
 
Coach's Corner
"This was a gutsy performance as we played two matches in warm conditions in less than 24 hours, while coming back after yesterday's disappointing performance (3-1 loss at SCAD Savannah). I am proud of our effort, and it was a fulfilling victory. We have worked in practice on knowing when to go over the top (of an opposing defense) and when to play at the feet. Victoria made the right decision to find Kyara open on the weak side for our first goal. Narissa is good at putting the ball under the crossbar. We noticed that opportunity was open on a free kick situation. She converted it to give us the 3-0 lead. It will be nice to get some rest and practice time after a busy couple of weeks," said Head Coach Dr. Mike Giuliano.
 
Turning Point
After once again scoring first in a match, the Grizzlies kept putting pressure on their opponent by adding a second goal in the closing minutes of the first half. A free kick following a USCB foul allowed junior Lena Balck to deliver a long pass into the 18-yard box. Senior Ana Da Costa headed the ball into the open net for the 2-0 lead. A third goal was added in the opening three minutes of the second half to stretch the team's advantage.
 
Goals
26' – Kyara Armenta, GGC (Victoria Watson)
43' – Ana Da Costa, GGC (Lena Balck)
48' – Narissa Gaither, GGC (unassisted)
53' – Madison Foshee, USCB (Mari Kalvatn)
 
Inside The Numbers

• The Grizzlies held a 17-9 shot advantage, including an 8-4 margin in shots on goal
• Both teams attempted five corner kicks and were called for 14 fouls
• Eight different GGC players registered a shot, led by junior Joy Mertzig with four attempts
• Sophomore Kyara Armenta scored her fourth goal of the season and netted the team's first goal of the match for the second straight day

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 7-4 in 2021, while USC Beaufort falls to 6-3 on the season
• The Grizzlies received votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll
• Georgia Gwinnett College has won all six meetings in the series with the Sand Sharks
• GGC is 4-0 this season in matches following a loss

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host No. 6 Southeastern University (Florida) on Thursday, October 7, at 7 p.m. from the Grizzly Soccer Complex.