RECAP: Gee-Gees power to 6-0 season opening win over Laurentian

The Gee-Gees women's soccer team kicked off their 2024 campaign with a lopsided 6-0 win over the Laurentian Voyageurs on Friday night at Matt Anthony Field.

Fourth-year forward Cassandra Provost wasted no time continuing her pursuit of the Gee-Gees all-time scoring record by netting her first of the season in the 14^th minute of action. Provost now finds herself nine goals short of tying Pilar Khoury's mark of 58.

The Ottawa onslaught featured six different goal scorers, with familiar veteran faces in Provost, Nibo Dlamini (27') and Allana Oriente (32') rounding out the first trio of goals. Second-year forward Sabrina Mangiaracina got in on the action to close the first half in the 43^rd minute before Élianne Gervais (56') and rookie Sophia Meireles (74') found the back of the net to wrap up the win.

Meireles' first career goal came on a beautifully struck ball from just outside of the 18-yard-box that beat the Voyageurs keeper across the net, a moment special for any young player.

Defensively, the Gee-Gees were smothering as ever, not conceding a single shot on goal. Laura Salgado and Mia Leclerc shared a clean sheet for their respective first career regular season appearances.

What They're Saying:

"It was a complete performance. I was happy with how we played defensively, coming into the game we knew we'd have chances offensively. I'm pleased with how seriously the players took defending." – Gee-Gees head coach Steve Johnson.

"I definitely had some jitters as it's my first OUA game, but I went on and tried to focus up and then I pulled that goal after, so I settled down a little. I'm glad to have that under my belt for the rest of the season." – Sophia Meireles.

Up Next:

The Gee-Gees will host Trent next Friday at 6 p.m. before a marquee matchup with rivals Queen's on Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at tickets.geegees.ca.