BAKERSFIELD, Calif.-- In the first of a Thursday-Saturday doubleheader, Grand Canyon got the best of Bakersfield in a 2-0 decision at the Main Soccer Field.

The first half was slow, but a yellow card in the box earned a penalty kick for Grand Canyon in the 27th minute. The WAC's second-leading goal scorer, Maria Monterroso, drove a low shot to the right corner, but Bakersfield's net-minder, Tori Ornela (R-Jr., Lemoore, Calif., Lemoore HS), made the diving save to keep the match tied at nil-nil. Ornela would go on to record four saves for the 'Runners, bringing her season total to 101. The goalie from Lemoore needs only 12 more to become Bakersfield's all-time single-season record holder for saves. "Tori came up big for us tonight and has done so all season," said Gary Curneen, Bakersfield's head coach. "It's a shame that we couldn't have done a bit more in front of her."

At 61:22, Grand Canyon took a 1-0 lead over the 'Runners when Monterroso slotted a pass to Milla Benedetti who beat Ornela for her sixth goal of the year. Patricia Pape picked up her second goal of the season in the 70th minute to give the Antelopes a 2-0 lead.

GCU continued to pressure and control the ball for the remainder of the second half, but were unable to put a third goal on the board. Grand Canyon outshot the 'Runners 5-2 in the first half and the second would prove to be similar as the 'Lopes ended the match with a 12-4 advantage. The 'Runners scattered their four shots among four players while Kelly Mitchell (Fr., Corona, Calif., Santiago HS) had the only shot on goal.

Curneen expressed disappointment in his team's overall performance on Thursday night: "All over the field, I think we weren't at our best tonight. We are fortunate enough to get another bite on Saturday and it will be interesting to see the responses. They need to compete. I didn't think our competition level was high enough tonight. We have got to be competitive, we have got to be aggressive."

Bakersfield (4-14-1, 3-6 WAC) will remain at home and host WAC foe Grand Canyon (7-9-1, 6-WAC) again this Saturday. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. here at the Main Soccer Field. Saturday is the regular season finale and Senior Day, so come on out to the Main Soccer Field and say “Goodbye” to the Senior Class of 2014. Tickets for Saturday's match can be purchased ahead of time on Valltix.com and the game will be aired for free via the WAC Digital Network.

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