PHOENIX, Ariz. - Arizona opened its 2024 season with a 1-0 win over Grand Canyon on Thursday, securing the victory behind a first-half goal from Nicole Dallin.
Arizona (1-0-0, 0-0-0 Big 12) was aggressive on offense early, and by the time the Lopes (0-1-0, 0-0-0 WAC) got their first look of the match the Cats had already taken four shots. The team added three more in rapid succession with Dallin, Gianna Christiansen and Sami Baytosh each getting a chance.
Dallin wasted no time getting the Cats on the board, netting her first goal of the season in 30th minute. Megan Chelf got the ball to Sarah Rice at midfield, and Rice passed it across the pitch to Dallin. The graduate student found space in the center of the field and sent the ball soaring past GCU goalkeeper DeAira Jackson into the back left corner of the goal. Rice's assist was the first of her career.
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Arizona took a 10-5 shot advantage into halftime, and Olivia Ramey recorded her first save as a Wildcat in the initial 45 minutes of play.Â
In the 65th minute, Dallin served up a cross through the GCU defense to Marley Chappel. The senior got a good look at the goal, but Jackson made the save. Two minutes later Dallin took her fourth shot of the match after Lopes defender Destinee Duran-Wise was assessed a yellow card, but Jackson was there again to keep the ball out of the net.
A Lopes foul in the 85th minutes caused a GCUÂ goal to be waved off, keeping Arizona in the lead as the clock wound down.Â
Sofia Cortes-Browne got her first minutes in the goal when the second half started and recorded her first collegiate save in the 78th minute. She was one of six Arizona freshmen to play in the match. Rose Calkins, Kennedy Fletcher, Narissa Fults, Zoe Mendiola and Taylor Smith each saw time on the pitch.
Arizona returns to action Sunday, Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m. MST as it takes on Pacific in its home opener at Mulcahy Stadium. Visit ArizonaWildcats.com or call 520-621-CATS to purchase tickets.
