PHOENIX, AZ  – Physical play and a high shot disparity went against the Lady Hornets soccer team as Alabama State lost at Grand Canyon of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) 4-0 Sunday afternoon at the GCU Soccer Field in the schools' first ever meeting on the field. 

Yellow cards cost the Lady Hornets (0-4-1) dearly as the Antelopes (3-1-1) were able to use the opportunities to set up two first half goals as a direct result, which changed the complexion of the match in GCU's favor. 

The first of which gave Grand Canyon a 1-0 lead in the 14^th minute when junior Kayla Edwards collided with another Antelope player. 

A yellow card was issued to Edwards at 14:41 to set up a free kick just outside the 18-yard box.

The Antelopes' Maria Monterroso made good on the chance on a well-struck ball.

Less than five minutes later, Kelsie Roberts added a goal in the 19^th minute from the near side of the field outside of the box on an assist from Brylee Hawkins. 

Mooregan Elder was called for ASU's next yellow card, which set up a free kick from just outside the box. 

Off the foot of Kathryn Yancone, she found Shannon Costello to give GCU a 3-0 advantage at the 37 minute mark.   

"Our scouting report was that they [Grand Canyon] were good on set pieces and we made a couple of mistakes," said ASU head coach Jodie Smith.

"The first goal was struck really well and was a ball that was basically unsaveable.  That's what the report said and they were able to get two of their goals from that type of opportunity.  We have to be more disciplined."

Play from both teams was a bit hotly contested at times with GSU committing 16 fouls and ASU committing 10 fouls including three yellow cards. 

"The physicality was pretty much what I expected," Smith said.  "We gave just about as much as we got today."

The Antelopes held a hefty 34-5 shots advantage including an 18-5 shots on goal edge. 

However, Alabama State made some adjustments after halftime and played a tighter match on defense, holding GCU to just a goal.

Coach Smith dug deeper into his bench than he has in previous matches by running eight substitutes into the match.   
 
"I credit our bench," Smith said.  "It gave us a lift in the second half.  Some girls who may not have played as much in recent matches gave us some quality minutes.  It gives them an opportunity for extended time the next time that we have a match."

Possession time for the Lady Hornets was short lived though. 

"We didn't do a good job of holding onto the ball," Smith said.  "We didn't value the ball.   This trip was about partly about putting yourself in an environment where you're facing good, strong teams so hopefully we can use this experience as a great bonding tool and use it to our advantage down the road." 

The Lady Hornets' Ariela Lewis and Aiyana Canister, who received a first start at forward, each had two shots on goals while Deidra Woodward also took a shot on goal. 

ASU flies back home overnight and will return to the field for a home match against Georgia Southern on Friday at 5 p.m. 

                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#