The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (5-9-1, 4-3-0) picked up a 3-1 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) victory over New Mexico State (3-15-0, 2-6-0) Friday on Senior Night at GCU Soccer Field. With Friday's win, the Antelopes have now won four of their last five contests.

Prior to kickoff, GCU honored its five seniors (Chelsea Santos, Caitlin Cartwright, Gabriella Rojas-Robinson, Kelli Ford, and Nikki Stanley) for their hard work and dedication to the women's soccer program.

"I thought we played exceptionally well in the first half and created a ton of chances," said head coach Stevie Gill. "Jojo (Lagunas) scored a great goal and Bennedetti stepped up to finish the penalty before half giving us a two goal lead."

"With the two goal lead starting the second half, we became a bit complacent and it took New Mexico State scoring to wake us up," said Gill. "Benedetti's final goal was an outstanding half volley inside the box from an outstanding Beckwith cross. It was nice to be able to play all of our fit seniors and send them off with a win at home."

For the second consecutive match, forward Milla Benedetti netted a pair of goals to lead the offensive attack for GCU. The goals marked the fourth and fifth of the season for the freshman.

It was Joanna Lagunas putting the Lopes on the board first, striking on a long shot in the 23^rd minute to give Canyon a 1-0 lead. Benedetti then capitalized on a penalty kick opportunity in the 30^th minute to give Grand Canyon a 2-0 advantage.

GCU would hold that lead heading into intermission, as the Lopes outshot the visiting Aggies 15-8 in the first 45 minutes of action. Keeper Blakely Fraasch held New Mexico State scoreless in the first half, making five saves in goal.

New Mexico State would cut the deficit in half, using a Layla Todd goal in the 79^th minute to make the score 2-1.

Benedetti added an insurance goal in the 87^th minute to put the score 3-1. Cassie Beckwith was credited with the assist after delivering a great cross to Benedetti.

GCU held a 31-16 advantage in the shots department in the league affair. Fraasch finished the night with 10 saves.

Maria Monterroso put four shots on goal and Lagunas and Benedetti added a pair on target each.

"All in all, I'm very proud of the girls and look forward to playing our final home game against Texas-Pan American on Sunday," added Gill.

The Lopes will play their final home game of the 2014 season on Sunday, when they host Texas-Pan American at 2 p.m. Sunday's game will be GCU's Breast Cancer Awareness match and t-shirts will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

GCU 3, NMSU 1

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Favorite Picks of the 2025 MLS Draft

Commitments: Bradley Heads to the Big East

TeamRank Presented By TeamSnap - Girls