In their first-ever Western Athletic Conference contest, the Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (1-6-0, 0-1-0) dropped a 3-1 decision to Seattle U (3-2-2, 1-0-0) at Championship Field in Seattle, Wash. The game was the conference opener for both squads.

The Redhawks were selected preseason favorites to win the WAC, as voted on conference coaches, after receiving six of seven possible first-place votes.

GCU needed just one shot to get on the board first, as Taylor Layton found the back of the net in just the fifth minute of the game on an assist from Chelsea Santos. Layton dribbled down the middle and chipped the ball over Seattle U goalkeeper Brianna Smallidge's head for her first score of the season and first-ever with the 'Lopes.

That was the lone goal scored in the first half as both teams played on the defense in the first 45 minutes. The Redhawks outshot the 'Lopes, 6-2, putting two on goal that were saved by keeper Cat Lena.

Seattle threatened early in the second half with two shots on target in the first four minutes. The Redhawks equalized the score on their third attempt, a shot that bounced off the inside post off the foot of Natasha Howe from 20 yards out in the 54^th minute.

Eight minutes later, Jacqui Wallis gave the Redhawks a 2-1 advantage with a shot off of a deflected save by Lena. Seattle cushioned their lead with a goal in the 87^th minute, as Julia Moravec found herself with a one-on-one opportunity with Lena off an assist from Stephanie Verdoia.

Seattle pressured GCU throughout the final 45 minutes, taking 11 shots, including six that were on target. Lena finished with five saves on the night, her third straight game with at least five saves. Cassie Beckwith and Cierra Valdez also attempted shots for GCU.

The 'Lopes will now head over to Moscow, Idaho for a matchup at Idaho on Sunday at 1 p.m. before returning to Phoenix for their first two home games of the season on Sept. 27 versus CSU Bakersfield and Sept. 29 versus Utah Valley.

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