The Grand Canyon University Women's Lacrosse team broke open a close game in the 4^th quarter Saturday afternoon at GCU Stadium on the GCU Campus to win its 2023-24 regular season opener, 13-9, over the University of Arizona. It's the lowest point total allowed by the Lopes since mid-March last season, and it's the Lopes' second consecutive victory over the Wildcats. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in Western Women's Lacrosse League play, while it put the Lopes atop the WWLL Standings to begin the young season.
 
The Lopes battled back from a 4-2 deficit at the end of the 1^st quarter to knot the score at 7-7 going into halftime, and never led until the 4^th quarter. The Lopes' defense then came to the forefront, holding the Wildcats scoreless in the final quarter, and allowing GCU's offense to take over with four straight goals to end the game. The balanced Lopes' attack was led by Ava Loeffler, Emma Adams, Ashley Swearingen and Layla Cates with two goals apiece. The freshmen tandem of Tristen Mielke and Isabella Rundle shined in goal, combining to stop half of Arizona's 18 shots on goal.
 



















The Lopes will make their annual trip to central California this coming weekend to take part in the Santa Barbara Shootout. The three-game slate begins on Saturday, February 3, with games against University of California-Davis and the University of Virginia before winding up play Sunday afternoon against the University of California-Berkeley. The Lopes are back home on the GCU campus to return to WWLL play on Saturday, February 17 against the University of California-San Diego. Kickoff at GCU Soccer Stadium is scheduled for 5PM.