TEMPE, Ariz. | Grambling State soccer faced a tough road test Friday night, falling to Arizona State, 8-0, at Sun Devil Soccer/Lacrosse Stadium.
The Tigers entered the contest with a 1-5-1 record, while Arizona State improved to 5-1-2 with the victory.
Arizona State controlled possession and created consistent offensive pressure throughout the opening half, scoring four goals before halftime. Emmie Ennis opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finding the back of the net off an assist from Kierra Blundell.
The Sun Devils added another goal less than two minutes later when Peyton Marcisz scored in the 20th minute, with assists from Mya Angus and Ennis. Marcisz struck again in the 29th minute, assisted by Angus, before Lucy Fazackerley gave Arizona State a 4-0 advantage in the 37th minute.
GSU goalkeeper Alina Arneth was tested throughout the first half, making seven saves while Arizona State generated 18 shots. The Tigers were held without a shot during the opening 45 minutes.
The Tigers came out of halftime looking to generate more offensive opportunities. Grambling State registered all five of its shots in the second half, including attempts from Pearl Wicks, Anaiya Morris and Jaleah Gonzalez.
Wicks finished with two shots, including one on goal, while Gonzalez also recorded two shots and put one on frame. Morris added one shot.
Arizona State, however, continued to apply pressure and extended its lead early in the second half. Sierra Bergen scored in the 48th minute, assisted by Amy Medley, before Ennis added her second goal of the night in the 57th minute with assists from Medley and Marcisz.
Ella Kettles added Arizona State's seventh goal in the 72nd minute, with May Balmer providing the assist. Blundell completed the scoring in the 84th minute, giving the Sun Devils an 8-0 advantage.
Grambling State used both goalkeepers during the match. Arneth played the first half and recorded seven saves, while DNaela Myers played the second half and made five saves. The Tigers finished the match with 12 saves.
Arizona State finished with a 40-5 advantage in shots and held a 20-2 edge in shots on goal. The Sun Devils also earned 14 corner kicks compared to none for GSU.
Despite the result, Grambling State continued to battle throughout the second half, producing five shots and forcing Arizona State goalkeeper Izzy Duink to make two saves.
UP NEXT
Grambling State looks to bounce back on Sunday when it takes on Northern Arizona. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. MST at Lumberjack Stadium in Flaggstaff, Ariz.
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