MESA, Ariz. — Park University Gilbert's women's soccer team secured its place in the GSAC playoffs and guaranteed a home game in the postseason with a dominant 9-0 victory over Benedictine Mesa on Saturday at Arizona Athletic Grounds. The Buccaneers controlled the match from start to finish, improving to 11-5-1 overall and 7-4-1 in GSAC play.
The emphatic win ensures Park-Gilbert will host a GSAC playoff match, rewarding the team's performance throughout conference play
Park-Gilbert set the tone early, scoring twice within four minutes. Mikenzie Kulish opened the scoring in the 14th minute, assisted by Yadira Bernal, before Marisah Nolan doubled the lead just four minutes later off an assist from Ava Fike. Yadira Bernal then added a goal in the 25th minute, assisted by Darienne Thompson, and Ava Fike found the net herself in the 27th minute, also assisted by Thompson. Jacquelyn Bernal capped the first-half scoring in the 30th minute, giving the Buccaneers a commanding 5-0 advantage at the break.
The Buccaneers continued their offensive pressure after halftime. Kiara Rubio scored just two minutes into the second half, followed by Nolan's second goal of the match in the 53rd minute, assisted by Yadira Bernal. Rubio added her second goal four minutes later, and Sarai Mizzell completed the 9-0 victory with a penalty kick in the 81st minute.
Park-Gilbert finished with 32 shots, including 18 on target, and earned 15 corner kicks. Benedictine Mesa managed just three shots, with two on goal. Nolan and Rubio each scored twice, while Yadira Bernal contributed a goal and two assists. Fike recorded a goal and an assist, and Thompson finished with two assists. Goalkeepers Journey Morimoto and Ava Henry combined for the shutout, with Morimoto making two saves before Henry entered late in the match.
The emphatic win gives the Buccaneers valuable momentum as they continue their push toward the GSAC postseason. After Thursday's defeat at The Master's, Park-Gilbert responded with its highest-scoring performance since its 11-0 win over Justice earlier this season.
Park-Gilbert travels to Prescott, Ariz., to face No. 9 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. as the Buccaneers look to close out the regular season strongly.
