The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (7-9-1, 6-3-0) notched its fourth-straight Western Athletic Conference (WAC) victory Thursday, downing Bakersfield (4-14-1, 3-6-0), 2-0, at the Main Soccer Field in Bakersfield, Calif. The victory marked the sixth for the Antelopes in their last seven matches.

"It took us a while to get going tonight, but when we did, it looked great," said head coach Stevie Gill. "I thought our second half was one of our best performances of the season and this was highlighted by two fantastic goals by Milla Benedetti and Patti Pape. Both players beat four to five defenders and hit the back of the net, brilliant individual plays. Our back four played exceptionally well in the second half and Jojo (Lagunas) and (Taylor) Layton again played well in the midfield."

The contest remained scoreless heading into intermission, as neither team was able to generate any offense and put a ball in the net.

In the second half, it was Milla Benedetti putting the Lopes on the board first, as the freshman struck with her sixth goal of the season in the 62^nd minute to give GCU a 1-0 advantage. Maria Monterroso was credited with the assist on the goal. All six of Benedetti's goals have come in conference games, ranking her fifth in the league in that department.

Patricia Pape added a goal in the 70^th minute to put the score at 2-0 in favor of Canyon. It was the second goal of the season for the freshman.

Benedetti led the offensive attack, as the forward put three shots on goal in the league affair, while Pape, Monterroso, and Taylor Layton each put one shot on target.
Blakely Fraasch picked up her sixth win of the season in goal, as the freshman keeper grabbed one save on the night. It was the third shutout of the season for Fraasch.

"Tonight we will enjoy the win and then get back to business tomorrow and look to build on our second half performance against Bakersfield for Saturday night," said Gill. "Bakersfield is a tough team to play and they work very hard on and off the ball. I'm very proud of the girls."

The Lopes will close out the 2014 season on Saturday, when they again take on Bakersfield at the Main Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Arizona Time) and fans can find live links to follow the action from the season finale at www.gculopes.com.

GCU 2, Bakersfield 0

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