(GILBERT, Ariz.) No. 1 Gilbert Christian handed No. 13 Florence its first loss of the season on Wednesday, to move to 7-0 on the year. The Knights made it look easy, cruising to the 8-1 victory behind two goals and three assists from freshman phenom Mila Russo. 

Russo has posted five goals this week for the undefeated Knights. 

"We have been preparing for this week because we have three games," Head Coach Hector Orellana said. "It can get overwhelming, so I reminded the girls to take it one game at a time. We were mentally and physically prepared for this game, as we knew they were unbeaten. We came out and executed very well. I am very pleased with the patience the girls showed, moving the ball around and creating space for opportunities. It is so awesome to see the chemistry developing. The girls trust each other, they are unselfish and they cheer for each other. We have a tough opponent on Friday, and we are looking to just keep building and getting better."

The usual suspects, junior Caprice Chiuchiolo and freshman Madyn Allan, managed a pair of goals apiece in the affair. 

Rounding out the scoring were senior Jaidyn Wilson and freshman Avery Carter. 

Gilbert Christian's remaining assists came from unselfish play by Allan, senior Daniella Orellana and freshman Meredith Johnson, who dished two for the Knights. 

GCHS led 5-0 at the break. The Gophers managed a score in the second half to narrowly avoid the mercy-rule defeat.

Gilbert Christian is back in action for its third and final match of the week on Friday, January 12th. The Knights' road game against fourth-ranked Pusch Ridge (5-0-1) is scheduled to begin at 6:00pm.

-GO KNIGHTS-