The Grand Canyon University women's soccer team opened the 2013 fall season, the first for the Antelopes as members of the Division I Western Athletic Conference, with a 0-0 tie in their first exhibition contest at University of the Pacific. GCU will conclude the preseason portion of their schedule when they travel to Palo Alto, Calif., for a matchup at second-ranked Stanford on Saturday at noon.

The 'Lopes were strong on defense, recording a shutout in their introduction to the Division I level. GCU had opportunities to find the back of the net in both the first and second periods, including an open net opportunity with 17 minutes remaining in the contest. GCU goalkeeper Cat Lena collected four saves while playing at the net for the full 90 minutes.

"I thought the girls played great and competed well," said head coach Stevie Gill. "It was a fantastic start to our season."

The Tigers outshot GCU 5-2 in the first 45 minutes, placing two of those shots on goal. Jessica Fitzgerald put GCU's first shot on goal in the 23^rd minute, and the 'Lopes defense did not allow a Pacific shot for over a span of 20 minutes in the period. Shannon Costello just missed putting GCU on the board with a header that sailed high.

Cassie Beckwith placed GCU's second shot on goal in the 72^nd minute after the Tigers had come out firing to open the second period. The two teams combined for just three more shots in the game in what proved to be a defensive battle.

"Cat did very well for us tonight," added Gill. "Jessica Valadez was very steady at the back and Jessica played well up top in the first half. We put Emily Ravenhill in her spot in the second and she played great. I was also impressed with Chelsea Santos tonight. Overall, our center midfield played good, so tonight was really a good all-around performance."

"We missed a chance towards the end with an open net, and even had some chances in the last two minutes."
 

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