The red hot Bobcats (4-3-1, 3-0 PBC) extended their win streak to three games on Saturday, logging a 2-0 victory at home against Georgia Southwestern (4-3-1, 1-2 PBC). This win propelled them to first place in the conference rankings, with nine total points and a flawless conference record. This 3-0 start to conference play signifies GC soccer’s best start in conference play since 2010. 

On a hot and bright Saturday afternoon at Bobcat Field, both teams were in an offensive stalemate. Despite a total of nine shots on goal between the two squads in the first half, the score remained unchanged from when the competition began. 

The first half of play saw several fantastic plays from highly regarded junior goalkeeper Kate Richardson, including a fantastic save with her feet in the 22nd minute of the half. The Hurricanes’ offense had an imposing presence in GC’s defensive third for the majority of the first half, but Richardson’s skillful goalkeeping and a composed defensive lady Bobcat core ensured that the Hurricanes came up empty handed even when in solid scoring position.

Late in the first half, the  Bobcats alleviated the pressure placed on their defense and flipped the script. GC advanced the ball into their defensive third repeatedly. With ten minutes remaining in the half, sophomore midfielder Morgan Amrozowicz laid a great shot on goal, only for it to narrowly miss on the right side. 

The first half concluded still tied 0-0, an outcome made certain by a save from Richardson coming with four minutes remaining in the half. 

The Bobcat offense emerged from the break much more aggressive towards the Hurricane defense. In the 50th minute, a Bobcat goal was called off as the result of a questionable offside call from the official. Thus keeping the contest 0-0. 

The aggressive Bobcat offense produced yet another look for Morgan Amrozowicz who took a lovely shot on goal that was defended successfully by the Hurricane goalkeeper. The surge responded to the Bobcat offensive aggression with fire of their own. The Hurricanes established a presence in the GC defensive third that produced a clean shot on goal that was successfully defended by Richardson. 

The 71st minute saw the first score of the competition, pushing the Bobcats ahead in a match that was even up to this point. Although statistically unassisted, a well-placed cross pass from sophomore forward Aralyn Everett gave forward Sarah Mason the ball in scoring position, where she shook the Hurricane defenders and scored. 

“We worked on a lot of passing and finishing crosses in the air at practice this week which helped us,” Mason said.

The Bobcats used the momentum gained from this score in their defensive effort, thwarting all Hurricane attacks from that point on with the Hurricanes only recording one more shot on goal in the contest. 

In the 83rd minute the dagger was delivered by the  Bobcats to the Hurricanes, coming in the form of a goal from Morgan Amrozowicz that was assisted by Sarah Mason, this goal wrapped up the 2-0 conference victory. 

“Although it certainly was not our best day at the office, good teams find a way to win when they don’t play well,” said GC head coach Jack Marchant. A bit of grit and determination and a little bit of quality made the difference in this one.”

With a goose egg on the Hurricane scoresheet, goalkeeper Kate Richardson recorded her third shut out on the season. These three shutouts have propelled Richardson past Michelle Parr for the most shutouts in program history with 11. In addition, she recorded an impressive six saves.

“Coming in as a freshman goalkeeper I knew I had high expectations to reach,” Richardson said. “Reaching even tenth in the record books for any record is a great achievement and I am beyond happy and grateful to have reached third in most of the goalkeeping records. I wanted to come in as a freshman and make a positive impact on the GC women’s soccer program.

The Bobcats came up short in their most recent match against rival Flagler. GC lost 3-0 this past weekend and they currently sit in second place in the PBC. 

The Bobcats grit and determination that allowed them to prevail against the Hurricanes will surely play a pivotal role throughout the rest of this season.