Scoring single goals in each half, the Georgia Gwinnett College women's soccer team picked up its second road victory of the young season, and third straight triumph overall, by defeating Xavier University of Louisiana 2-0 on Tuesday afternoon in Metairie, Louisiana.

The Grizzlies are now 3-0 on the season for the fourth time in program history and first since the 2019 campaign.

Senior Ola Orelesi headed a right corner kick from sophomore Riko Yasuzawa into the opposing net during the 15th minute to give GGC an early 1-0 advantage. The 2023 third-team All-American tallied her second goal of the season – both resulting in eventual match-winning goals.

The visitors applied pressure throughout the later stages of the second half in search of an insurance goal against the Gold Nuggets (0-2-0). Senior Pernilla Westergren had a shot in the 80th minute that was turned away by a Xavier defender.

The Grizzlies eventually found their second goal 24 seconds later as junior Natalie Maguire scored her first tally of the season following a pass by senior Bre Harvey.

GGC outshot Xavier by a 10-7 margin in the victory, including a 7-4 margin during the second half. Seniors Aurora Miglio, Orelesi and Westergren joined Maguire in each having two shots.

Junior goalkeeper Ayano Kurosawa made two saves, both in the second half, to record her first shutout of the season.
  "This was a gutsy performance against a really good opponent. We found a way to tough it out and get a win today. These were the type of matches that we didn't get the result we wanted in the past. Scoring the first goal was a game-changer. We answered some questions about ourselves in this early-season match and I'm pleased with the start to this season," said Head Coach Dr. Mike Giuliano.
  The Grizzlies added a key insurance goal in the final 10 minutes of the match when junior Natalie Maguire found the back of the net following a pass by senior Bre Harvey. Maguire scored her first goal as a Grizzly to give the visitors a 2-0 lead.
  15' – Ola Orelesi, GGC (Riko Yasuzawa)
80' – Natalie Maguire, GGC (Bre Harvey)

• The Grizzlies outshot Xavier by a 10-7 margin, including a 7-4 edge during the second half
• Senior Ola Orelesi scored her third career goal and second tally this fall
• Four different GGC players registered two shots apiece in the victory
• Junior goalkeeper Ayano Kurosawa recorded her first shutout of the 2024 season

• GGC improves to 3-0-0 in 2024; Xavier falls to 0-2-0 on the season
• The Grizzlies and Gold Nuggets received votes in the 2024 NAIA Top 25 Preseason Poll
• Tuesday's match marked the first meeting between the two programs
• Georgia Gwinnett College has scored 23 goals through its first three matches this season

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host Rocky Mountain College (Montana) on Friday, August 30, at the Grizzly Soccer Complex, starting at 7 p.m.