Following a weather delay that postponed the game nearly three hours, the Grand Canyon University women's soccer team dropped a hard-fought, 1-0 overtime contest at Valparaiso on Brown Field in Valparaiso, Ind. The loss moved the Antelopes to 0-2 to open the season, while the Crusaders, who compete within the Horizon League, improved to 2-1.

"We played great," said head coach Stevie Gill. "We should have won the game in regulation, but our strikers are struggling to score goals. We are getting plenty of chances and not capitalizing on them. I thought our two central defenders, Martine Gjennestad and Jessica Valadez, as well as Cassie Beckwith in the midfield, were excellent tonight."

"Freshman Taylor Layton was outstanding and caused trouble for them all night long as well," Gill added.

The first half was marked by strong defensive efforts on both sides as the teams were locked in a scoreless tie after the first 45 minutes. The Crusaders took five shots, two of which were on goal and saved by goalkeeper Cat Lena, while the Valparaiso defense did not allow a GCU attempt.

Between the two teams in the first half, there were 12 fouls committed in what also proved to be a very physical game. In sum, the teams were whistled for 24 fouls.

Similar to the first half, the second was a defensive battle as both teams tried to get an offensive rhythm going. The 'Lopes outshot the Crusaders in the second half by a margin of 5-4, beginning with Jessica Lincoln's attempt in the 62^nd minute, which was blocked by Valparaiso's defense.

Samantha Bush put a shot on goal as the regulation clock was winding down, but Valparaiso goalkeeper Kristen Manski picked up her first save of the contest, sending the game into overtime.

The Crusaders ended the game with a goal in the 93^rd minute on a ball that hit off the goalpost and found the back of the net.
Valparaiso outshot the 'Lopes 11-5 overall in the game, putting five of their shots on goal. Lena finished the contest with four saves for GCU.

"It is a disappointing score line as we played well throughout the game," said Gill. "But I also think this game was extremely promising. Now we have to shake it off and look to our game on Sunday."

GCU will remain in Indiana, but head east to Indianapolis to take on IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) on Sunday with kickoff slated for 9 a.m. (Arizona time). The Jaguars are members of the Summit League. Fans can follow the action via live stats by visiting www.gculopes.com.

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