Surprise, Ariz. — OUAZ women's soccer delivered one of its most complete performances of the season on Thursday evening, rolling to an 8-0 victory over Benedictine Mesa in Great Southwest Athletic Conference action at Spirit Field. The win improves the Spirit to 4-4-3 overall and 3-3-2 in GSAC play.
OUAZ controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting the RedHawks 29-2 and placing 23 shots on goal while recording the team's third shutout of the season.
The Spirit wasted little time getting on the board. Kylie Walker opened the scoring in the 14th minute off an assist from Jocelyn Smith before Janessa Lugo doubled the lead just two minutes later. Ailish Carey added a goal in the 20th minute, finishing a feed from Lugo to send OUAZ into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
The offensive pressure continued after the break. Finley Ali scored less than two minutes into the second half off Smith's second assist of the night, and Lugo found the back of the net again in the 55th minute on an assist from Alee Williams. Walker added her second goal of the match on a penalty kick before Lauryn Bell scored her first goal of the season in the 68th minute. Carey capped the scoring with her second goal of the evening in the 78th minute, assisted by Georgina Hagger.
Walker, Lugo, and Carey each recorded two-goal performances to lead the attack. Lugo added an assist for a three-point night, while Smith contributed a pair of assists. Ali and Bell also scored, giving the Spirit six different players involved in the scoring column.
Defensively, the Spirit were just as impressive. Eerika Erjansalo earned the win in goal and combined with Adriana Duarte for the shutout. The RedHawks managed just one shot on goal all evening as the OUAZ back line controlled possession and limited quality opportunities.
The victory marks OUAZ's fourth win in its last five matches as the Spirit continue to climb the conference standings heading into the final stretch of GSAC play.
OUAZ returns to the road on Saturday, Oct. 10, for another GSAC matchup against Park-Gilbert. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. as the Spirit look to carry their momentum into a critical conference contest.
