SPOKANE, Wash. – The Gonzaga women's soccer team grabbed a 2-1 double-overtime win against Grand Canyon to open the 2018 season Friday.
India Jencks converted on a diving header in the 102
nd minute for the game-winner at Luger Field.
In the first-ever meeting between the programs, Jencks dove for a ball that was played into the box from Samantha Heilman. Jencks' header found the back of the net, just past the outstretched GCU goalkeeper, two minutes into the second overtime.
The Zags (1-0-0) had a 26-13 advantage in shots in the match, placing 17 on frame. The Lopes had four shots on goal. GU took 11 corner kicks in the game, compared to two for Grand Canyon.
After a scoreless first half, Grand Canyon's Camryn Larson scored her first collegiate goal in the 59
th minute. She stole a ball from the GU defense and kicked it low to the near post for the score.
The Bulldogs took 14 shots in the second half, but didn't find the net until the 82
nd minute.
Jodi Ulkekul struck a shot well from outside the box over the GCU keeper.
Gonzaga had an excellent opportunity to pick up the win in the first overtime, when a Zag was taken down in the box and a penalty kick was given. But, Abby Burton made an outstanding save diving to her left in the 97
th minute. She finished with 15 saves.
Isabel Jones stopped three shots for GU.
Jencks' 10
th career goal came off of Heilman's first collegiate assist. Heilman, Jencks and
Sophia Viviano all took a game-high five shots. Heilman and Viviano put three shots on goal. Ulkekul and
Madeline Gotta also had three shots on goal for the Bulldogs.
McKenzie Cook led Grand Canyon (0-1-0) with four shots, placing two on frame.
The Zags are unbeaten in their last seven season-openers, dating back to the 3-1 win over South Dakota in 2012. Gonzaga has also won eight of its last 10 season-opening contests, with the lone setback coming in 2011 at Illinois.
The Bulldogs host CSU Bakersfield (0-1-0) Sunday at 12 p.m. The Roadrunners opened their season with a 1-0 loss at Eastern Washington Friday.
