Facing off against the team tied for the best record in the Western Athletic Conference, the Grand Canyon University women's soccer team (1-8-1, 0-3-1) battled in a close game against Utah Valley (5-5-0, 3-0-0) before falling 5-3 today on GCU Soccer Field in Phoenix, Ariz. The Wolverines were picked to finish tied for second in the conference with Idaho, as voted on league head coaches.

The Antelopes offense kept both UVU keepers busy, taking a total of 23 shots and placing 16 of those on goal. GCU's defense allowed just 12 shots to the Wolverines, who put half on target.

The 23 shots marked a new season-high for GCU, as did the three scores and the shots on goal in the contest.

Jessica Fitzgerald was busy up front, taking four shots and assisting on two of GCU's three goals in the game. Samantha Bush picked up both scores in the first half for the 'Lopes, her first two goals of the season. Emily Ravenhill also recorded her first goal in 2013, pulling GCU within 4-3 with just under 17 minutes to play in the second half.

It was a busy first half, as the 'Lopes scored a season-high two goals in the first 45 minutes, while UVU netted two of their own. The Wolverines struck first when Natalie Baker took Haley Curtis' assist from the left side to find the back of the net in the 13^th minute.

GCU scored the next two goals, both by Bush, within an eight minute span. The first came after Fitzgerald's shot was block saved by UVU keeper Lauren Sack and Bush chipped the ball back in the net. Her second score came in the 30^th minute on Shannon Costello's long pass from midfield, which Bush dribbled past a couple of defenders for a clear shot on goal.

UVU knotted the score at two after Kristen Bailey-Yoo broke away for a one-on-one opportunity with GCU keeper Cat Lena and put the ball over the keeper in the 43^rd minute.

The 'Lopes held the advantage in shots in the first half, 14-6, and placed eight of those on target. The Wolverines closed the gap in shots, although GCU still posted a 9-6 advantage in the final 45 minutes.

Baker scored her second goal of the game for UVU in the 63^rd minute on a blocked cross, putting the ball in the net on the left side. Almost three minutes later, the Wolverines made it a 4-2 game on a score from Kali Stubbs, who put in the rebound on a shot off the post.

Ravenhill closed the gap to one goal with her score in the 84^th minute on Fitzgerald's second assist of the game. However, UVU scored an insurance goal in the 88^th minute.

GCU will now hit the road for two WAC games, beginning with a 5 p.m. (Arizona time) matchup at Kansas City on Oct. 4. Fans can follow the action by visiting www.gculopes.com.