For the first time in program history, Grand Canyon University Women's Club Soccer qualified for the NIRSA Regional Championships. The squad traveled to San Luis Obispo, California and played in four games in less than 48 hours. While the Lopes closed out the tournament with a loss to California Polytechnic State University in the finals, it was still a very historic weekend for the team.

Saturday: GCU 1, UCLA 1 (F)

The Lopes opened the weekend against University of California, Los Angeles, but got off to a slow start and trailed, 1-0, at halftime. It was Lopes' freshman Jaelen Giron that scored GCU's first goal of the tournament to tie it up in the second half.

The scoreboard still read 1-1 when the game ended, but Lopes' Head Coach Hannah Bolton was impressed with the squad's first-ever regional championship game.

"It was hard to know what the competition was going to be like since this was our first appearance at regionals," said Bolton. "Given the long travel day we had, I was pleased we were able to push for the tie. They showed a lot of grit."

Saturday: GCU 1, UC Davis 1 (F)

GCU's faceoff with University of California, Davis gave the Lopes a hint of déjà vu as – once again – the scoreboard read 1-0 halftime.

This time, though, the board read the same score in the waning moments of the match. That's when Lopes' sophomore Chloe Geryol – who was not within the typical scoring range on the field – launched a ball towards the goal. The ball found its way to the back of the net, and GCU pulled out another tie in the nick of time.

"Chloe scoring her goal from nearly midfield was a highlight of the weekend," said Lopes' senior Gabrielle Duff McGaughey. "We were happy with the two ties because we knew that we could score on these teams and that we were good enough to play with them and win."

Sunday: GCU 3, USC 2

The Lopes' hard work finally showed in the form of a win when they overcame University of Southern California for a 3-2 victory.

"It was definitely a close battle," said Bolton. "It wasn't a pretty game, but we were able to get it done. We knew we needed to win in order to compete for the bid to nationals later. This was just another example of the grit and determination the team has."

Sunday (Championship Match): Cal Poly 2, GCU 0

Cal Poly's offense gave the Lopes trouble, and for only the second time this tournament, GCU's defense allowed two goals in a single match.

Despite the loss, the fact that they were even playing for a bid to nationals was a victory for the program.

"We had no idea what to expect going into the tournament," said McGaughey. "We were excited, but we knew that whatever the results, the weekend was a win for us."

The Lopes' season may have been cut short, but the team does not intend to hang their heads.

"I am so proud of what the team accomplished," said McGaughey. "Being one of only two returners, I got to see how all the new players joined the team and worked hard practice after practice. Our team bonded almost instantly, and we truly enjoyed being around each other on and off the field."