Utah Tech women's soccer competed in the WAC Championship tournament as the first team of Trailblazers to ever qualify for postseason Division I action. UT took on Grand Canyon and fell 3-0 Wednesday night.
What Head Coach Molly Rouse said: "Tonight caps the end of an unbelievable and historic season for our program. Being the first Utah Tech team to qualify for post season play and finishing with an overall winning record summaries the hard work and dedication this team has had since our transition began in 2020. Our on field energy and performance tonight demonstrated incredible fight and a will to never concede. The leadership from our upperclassmen showcased strength and support for everyone on the field. This experience, will not only be a learning opportunity for our program moving forward, but it showcases how high of a the ceiling we have as a team. It goes without saying, that we could not have had a year like this, without every player on our roster staying fiercely loyal to each other and the process to develop and grow. There is much to be excited about after this year and much more to look forward to in the future for the Trailblazers."
HOW IT HAPPENED: Grand Canyon started off with a strong attack placing a shot on goal in the fifth minute. Freshman goalkeeper
Brianna Frey was able to notch a save to keep UT momentum alive.
Just five minutes later, the Lopes sent another attack on frame but Frey recorded another save.
It wasn't until the 18th minute that UT was able to place a shot on frame and Karli Nyland sent it towards the net but the Lopes came away with the save.
In the 31st minute Grand Canyon was able to get a goal to take a 1-0 edge over Utah Tech.
Just seven minutes later the Lopes fired off a shot from 25 yards out that appeared to be going high over the crossbar but it sunk just below into the back of the net to put GCU up 2-0.
As the first half closed out UT trailed 2-0. GCU out shot UT 13-3 in the first half.
Utah Tech was able to get more chances in the second half but was never able to execute. Grand Canyon was able to get one more goal before the close of the game in the 80th minute to take a 3-0 win over Utah Tech.
STAT BREAKDOWN: In total Utah Tech had eight shots with three shots on frame. While GCU had 25 total shots with 13 on frame.
Brianna Frey started in the net and played the full 90. She ended the game with a career high 10 saves and allowed three goals.
Tori Brown led UT with four shots while Nyland had three with two on frame.
NOTES TO KNOW: Utah Tech ended the season with a 10-5-2 record overall on the season and are now 6-3-2 in WAC action.
