GILBERT, Ariz. --- The Park University Gilbert women's soccer team (1-5-2, 0-2-2) lost 4-0 Saturday evening to the Hope International University Royals (7-1-0, 4-0-0) at Desert Sky Park in Gilbert, Ariz.

The Buccaneers stared down a tough test, as they competed against the No. 11 ranked program in the NAIA, who currently sit atop the Great Southwest Athletic Conference standings.

In the first half of play, the Royals got a giant offensive boost from forward Christiane Sundstrom. She netted the opening goal of the match in the 19^th minute, followed by a second goal in the 31^st minute to put the Royals up 3-0. Sundstrom also assisted on Hope International's second goal, scored by Frida Vizcarra in the 25^th minute.

Royals CAM Brandi Valdez opened the second half of play with a goal in the 47^th minute, as Sundstrom recorded her second assist of the evening. The Bucs only allowed one goal in the final 45 minutes of play, compared to the three allowed in the first half.

Park-Gilbert's offense totaled two shots, with one shot on goal. Bucs goalkeeper Morgan Trail had her work cut out for her today, saving four of Hope International's eight shots on goal for the evening.

The Buccaneers women's soccer team returns to pitch next Thursday, Oct. 3^rd, 5:30 p.m. MST at home against #11 Embry-Riddle University (3-2-2, 2-1-0) at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.