ST. GEORGE, UT - Dixie State started the season off with a tough fought battle against Gonzaga Wednesday evening at Greater Zion Stadium. Gonzaga ultimately pulled away with a 5-1 victory over the Trailblazers. 

WHAT HEAD COACH MOLLY ROUSE SAID: "Tonight was a great introduction to the Division I level for our team. Gonzaga was a very talented and organized team, who challenged us in multiple ways. We are proud of the mentality and competitive spirit shown by the Trailblazers this evening. While we have room to grow in different areas, we also were able to demonstrate a great level for long stretches of time. We are excited to get back to the training grounds this week in preparation for another tough opponent next week."

HOW IT HAPPENED: The Bulldogs jumped on the Trailblazers in the third minute of the game as Maddie Cooley came up with a goal for a 1-0 lead. Gonzaga then doubled their advantage in the final five minutes of the first half as Erin Healy sunk a goal to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 advantage going into halftime. 

Dixie State had some impressive shots on goal in the first half. Sophie Stewart had an on target shot in the bottom center of the goal in the 21st minute but GU came up with a save. Shortly after, in the 28th minute Jill Bennett had a shot on target that GU also saved. 

Dixie State needed a spark to get back in the game and redshirt junior Whitley Griffiths came through. In the 56th minute of action, Dixie State drew a foul and had a free kick just outside the penalty area. Kelsey Cook took the free kick and crossed it in towards the goal where Griffiths was able to get a body on it sending the ball into the back of the net for the Trailblazers first goal of the year and as a Division I program. 

Dixie State still had work to do as the Trailblazers still trailed 2-1. With the momentum in favor of the Trailblazers, Griffiths was able to get off another shot on goal on a fast break. The Bulldogs' goalkeeper was out and Griffiths sent the ball towards the goal but GU's defense came up with a save. 

In the final 15 minutes of play, GU came up with three goals. Gabriela Maas put one in the lower left side of the goal to put the Zags up 3-1 in the 79th minute. In the 84th minute, GU was able to sink a penalty kick for a 4-1 lead.  

In the 86th minute, Gonzaga pulled another penalty kick. Hannah Hale took the shot placing it low left. Dixie State's Adelle Brown came up with a beautiful save but there was commotion in the box and GU's Hale was able to sink the rebound to give Gonzaga the final goal of the game and a 5-1 final score. 

STAT BREAKDOWN: DSU was led by Griffiths who had five total shots with three on goal and one scored goal. Jill Bennett and Kelsey Cook each had two shots and each had one on goal. Adelle Brown had four saves.  

In total, Dixie State had 10 shots and six shots on goal. 

Gonzaga came away with 15 total shots and nine shots on goal. 

NOTES TO KNOW: This was Griffiths' 26th goal in her career and the first of the season. Brown now has 57 total saves in her career. Dixie State is now 0-1 overall on the season. 

UP NEXT: Dixie State was set to host Weber State Saturday, Feb. 5 but that game has been cancelled due to COVID-19 protocols. The Trailblazers next action will be Feb. 11th as DSU hosts University of Utah at Greater Zion Stadium at 4:00 p.m.