LAKEWOOD, NJ (SEPT. 27, 2023) - After five straight days of rain in Lakewood, the sun was finally out for Georgian Court Women's Soccer. The Lions took advantage of the nice weather. They never trailed in their 3-2 win over Holy Family. The win puts them at 2-3-3 overall and 1-0-2 in the CACC.

How it Happened
• Holy Family controlled play, especially in the second half. They led in total shots 14-9 and shots on goal, 8-5.
• The Tigers also had a 5-4 lead in corner kicks.
• Fouls were pretty low. Holy Family was called for seven and the Lions six. GCU was issued the only yellow card.
• Georgian Court was applying early pressure getting shots from Juliana Rettino, Ashley Merizalde and Abby Kennelly all in the first three minutes.
• Holy Family was able to weather the early storm, but they couldn't keep GCU down for long. Ashley Merizalde streaking down the left sideline, found Rettino who dribbled around a defender and went low and left on the Tiger keeper for the game's first goal in the 22nd minute.
• That was it for shots for about the next 20 minutes worth of game action. Nearing the end of the period, the Tigers sent a cross into the box and Sophia Ridolfo made a critical foul allowing for a penalty kick.
• Gianna Monaco took the kick and perfectly placed it in lower right corner to tie the game with just under two minutes remaining in the half.
• The second half started with both teams playing conservatively. The Lions had a chance 10 minutes in as the Tigers returned the penalty kick favor. This time a handball in the box sent Aliya Canfield to the line and she buried the penalty kick for a 2-1 Lions lead.
• Holy Family was in the Lions end for much of the rest of the second half. They had seven shots and three corner kicks in the half and had the Lions on their heels.
• GCU did get one more opportunity midway through the half and did not miss. Emily Clayton's through pass hit Chiamaka Wokocha who had subbed on just 30 seconds prior. Wokocha beat a defender, and the Tiger goaltender who challenged high out of the net and had nothing but nylon in front of her. She scored her second of the season putting GCU up 3-1 with 20 minutes left to play.
• Six minutes later and HFU was back in the offensive zone. A yellow card gave the the Tigers a free kick where the ball was knocked around before Hannah Florentino, right place at the right time, found the ball at her feet and scored to make it a one-goal game.
• For the final 15 minutes, GCU held back and played defense. The strategy worked as they were able to run out the clock and hold on to the 3-2 win.

Lion Stat Leaders
• Aliya Canfield played 81 minutes taking two shots and scoring on a penalty kick.
• Chiamaka Wokocha scored on her only shot.
• Juliana Retiino also took two shots, one on net with a goal.
• Carley Polchak made six saves.

For the Tigers
• Jaina Preuhs played 74 minutes allowing three goals and stopping two shots.
• Hannah Florentino and Gianna Monaco each came off the bench to score goals.
• Brynn Hess and Alyssa Hooten each took four shots.

News and Notes
• Aliya Canfield's goal is the 20th of her career. She's the ninth Lion in the NCAA era to reach that milestone.
• Canfield also moved to ninth all-time at GCU in shots.
• Ashley Merizalde's assist gives her 10 career points. 
• Chiamaka Wokocha is now tied for the team lead with two goals. She's scored hers in just 100 minutes played, at least 396 fewer minutes than any other Lion with two goals this season.
• Carley Polchak surpassed 30 career saves. Her six were a season-best
• Breana Parkinson played her 1,000th career minute.
• Leticia Da Silva played in her 30th career game. 
• Georgian Court is now 4-1-1 in their last six against Holy Family dating back to 2017.
• Despite the 4-1-1 record, this is actually the first time GCU scored against Holy Family since 2019.

Up Next
• Georgian Court finishes the week on the road play in Waterbury, Conn. at Post Saturday, Sept. 30 at 12 p.m. The game is part of a men's and women's doubleheader with the Eagles.