A hat trick by Gabriela Gonzalez propelled the Bob Jones University women's soccer team to a 3-0 Senior Night victory over NCCAA South Region opponent Toccoa Falls College on Tuesday.
"The team came out with determination and focus and played a solid game with continued improvement in possession and the off ball movement was very good," said Head Coach Chris Carmichael. "We appreciate the opportunity to play Toccoa Falls as they always bring both a competitive drive and amazing spirit and have continued to get stronger each year."
After playing to a 0-0 draw against Piedmont University on Monday, the Bruins returned to Greenville, South Carolina for a Tuesday night match against Toccoa Falls looking to get back in the win column.
As today's game got underway, the Bruins got off to a hot start keeping the ball in their offensive zone. The Bruins sent several shots towards the net early on and in the 17th minute Mia Marks crossed the ball in front of the net where Gabriela Gonzalez collected and shot the ball past the keeper to net the first goal of the contest.
Just five minutes later, Gonzalez got the ball and dribbled around several defenders and took her shot from outside the box to tally her second goal of the game.
In the 27th minute, Gonzalez received the ball off of a throw in on the far side of the field. Down in the corner, she lobbed the ball towards the net looking to get clear of Toccoa's defenders. Her shot rocketed on frame and sailed into the back of the net to record a natural hat trick.
The 3-0 score held until the rest of the game as the Bruins finished victorious from Alumni Stadium.
During halftime of today's match, the Bruins honored the five of their graduating seniors.
"Our seniors and graduates all did a phenomenal job today and I couldn't be more proud of Esther Young, Braden Adams, Gaby Gonzalez, Mia Marks, Rylee Johnson, and Caroline Hartzler for not only playing a phenomenal game today but the positive impact they have had on our program," said Carmichael. "Honestly I can't imagine a team without them as they are all so incredibly talented and they have left some huge shoes to fill. Hoping some will exercise their COVID year! What a privilege it has been to watch them develop and grow in so many ways and just an amazing group of incredibly talented players."
"Everyone worked hard tonight and it made our last game in Alumni Stadium extra special," said goalkeeper Esther Young.
"Playing soccer for BJU has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I am so grateful for the memories and lifelong friends God has blessed me with through this team," said Caroline Hartzler. "It was an excellent last game at Alumni Stadium tonight as our hard work throughout the season showed in our high possession rate and great buildup of play."
When speaking of her time at BJU Gabriela Gonzalez said, "my four years on the soccer team has taught me so many things like confidence but above all teamwork. Tonight the team's bond and work was evident, offensively and defensively. All of our hard work and growth this semester showed tonight."
Also speaking of her years as a Bruin, Mia Marks said, "I've been beyond blessed to have been given the privilege to play alongside these wonderful teammates. Each one of them puts in the work every practice and game. Tonight was a testament to that as we played a tough Toccoa Falls team. Go Bruins!"
"Tonight was so special to me, and I'm grateful to the coaches and players at BJU for welcoming me back to soccer and making it such a memorable, fun, and exciting experience," said Rylee Johnson. "I've loved my time here so much and am sad it is coming to an end."
"I am proud of how the seniors and everyone played together and pulled through for an awesome win," said defender Braden Adams.
The Bruins will take the rest of the week off and will go on the road next Tuesday to face Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina.
