PHOENIX, AZ  – It has been a memorable weekend thus far for the Alabama State Lady Hornets soccer team. 

Adding a dose of well-traveled culture to their life experiences, the Lady Hornets spend Saturday with a special visit to the Grand Canyon under especially favorable conditions of mainly clear skies, light breezes and temperatures in a comfortable 70-degree range. 

Players snapped a ubiquitous amount of photos with the majestic Grand Canyon in the backdrop. 

Some players even dared to go a little closer to the edge to capture more dramatic shots. 

The Grand Canyon, which can overwhelm so many with its immense size, stretches 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and one mile deep. 

"At first, I definitely wasn't looking forward to seeing the Grand Canyon because I'm from Alaska," Anchorage native Aaliyah Lewis said.  

"But it was pretty breathtaking.   Once I got out there without a rail, it was gorgeous.  I'm used to mountain climbing and nature, but I haven't seen anything like the Grand Canyon.  It was amazing." 

Kayla Edwards, who like so many on the team was seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time, agreed.

"I've seen pictures before and the pictures did it no justice," Edwards said.

"Because seeing it in person was surreal.  When you see how deep it was and all the different colors, it was really amazing.  [For the photos], having that backdrop was great.  A lot of people may never go back so it's a once in a lifetime experience." 

Alabama State (0-3-1) gets back on the field for a match Sunday at Grand Canyon (2-1-1) of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) at 3 p.m. / 1 p.m. mountain time.

To watch live streaming video of the match, click here:  http://www.gculopes.com/watch/?Live=279

For live stats, click here:  http://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=98737

The Antelopes (2-1-1) are coming off a 2-2 tie with Oakland (Michigan) on Friday night. 

McKenzie Cook and Cassie Beckwith scored for GCU, who will be wrapping up a five-game home stand.

The teams have never faced each other. 

                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#