WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The No. 8-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College women’s soccer team set season highs for goals and shots in a 9-1 victory against Rochester College (Mich.) on Saturday afternoon during the opening match of this weekend’s tournament at University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) in Williamsburg, Ky.
Each of the Grizzlies’ goals came from nine different players, with five players finding the back of the net for the first time in their early collegiate careers.
In fact, three goals came in the first 10 minutes as GGC (3-0) took control of the match. Overall, the team had 38 shots, with 20 of them being directed to the Rochester goal.
Sophomore Joy Mertzig drilled a shot from 25 yards out into the upper right corner of the net just two minutes into the match. Quick-strike goals in the 10th minute from freshman Flavia von Kaenel and junior Skylar Bertram gave the Grizzlies a 3-0 advantage.
Sophomores Addie Adame and Lena Balck each registered their first goals of the season, coming in the 39th and 45th minutes, to build a 5-1 halftime lead.
Georgia Gwinnett College also dominated the second half. Adding to the team’s scoreboard were sophomores Ellie Todd and Grace Bullock, and freshmen Yana Reynolds and Kyara Armenta.
First-year players Jenny Stadin and Maria Rivera each contributed two assists to round out the strong offensive performers.
GGC has now played three of the five road matches to open the fall season, outscoring the opposition 16-1 in the process.
Coach’s Corner
“We took care of business and got to play a lot players. We received contributions from a lot of different players heading into tomorrow’s match (against tournament host Cumberlands). We have started fast in the last two matches,” said Head Coach Dr. Mike Giuliano.
Turning Point
For the second straight match, the Grizzlies scored three times in the first 15 minutes. Sophomore Joy Mertzig, freshman Flavia von Kaenel and junior Skylar Bertram each found the back of the net 10 minutes into the action. The team struck for three goals by the 15-minute mark in Wednesday’s victory at Thomas University (Ga.).
Goals
2’ – Joy Mertzig, GGC (Jenny Stadin)
10’ – Flavia von Kaenel, GGC (Maya Alibudbud)
10’ – Skylar Bertram, GGC (Jenny Stadin)
33’ – Taryn Ryan, RU (Courtney Hall)
39’ – Addie Adame, GGC (Maria Rivera, Kyara Armenta)
45’ – Lena Balck, GGC (Maria Rivera)
49’ – Ellie Todd, GGC (unassisted)
59’ – Grace Bullock, GGC (Ellie Todd)
69’ – Yana Reynolds, GGC (unassisted)
86’ – Kyara Armenta, GGC (Laura Voss)
Inside The Numbers
- The Grizzlies recorded 38 shots, including 20 shots on goal, in the victory
- GGC attempted the match’s five corner kicks
- Seventeen different players took a shot for the Grizzlies
- Seven of GGC’s goals were assisted, bringing the total to 13 of the team’s 16 goals for the season
News & Notes
- GGC improved to 3-0 on the season; Rochester fell to 0-3 this fall
- The Grizzlies registered their first victory in the series with Rochester after the teams battled to a 1-1 draw in the semifinal of the 2016 Association of Independent Institutions tournament
- Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 8 in the NAIA preseason poll
- The Grizzlies have scored a total of 10 goals across the first halves of their three matches this season
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College concludes tournament play by facing the host University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) on Sunday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. from Williamsburg, Ky.