(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian showed up to work on Wednesday, pummeling ALA-Ironwood 8-0 by way of mercy rule, before paying homage to seven special players for senior night. The Knights improved to 11-0 (5-0 3A East) with the win.
GCHS led 7-0 at the half, but got one final score from senior Jaidyn Wilson, who had the large crowd (and the very animated bench) on its feet as she took the ball down the field on a break to record the Knights' eighth goal, unassisted, at the 36:44 mark.
"Our seniors all played together on the field at the same time in this game," Head Coach and proud dad, Hector Orellana said. "We had a lot of fun celebrating our seniors: Reese Krahling, Ana Johnson, Megan Collard, Charity Hunt, Jaidyn Wilson, Eva Kiesow, and Daniella Orellana, but we have to get back to work, because our next game at Ben Franklin is for the division."
Orellana showed her experience on the field and found her teammates throughout the contest, dishing a season-high five assists for the Knights.
Senior Megan Collard exhibited her offensive prowess for GCHS, taking shots on goal, and tallying an assist of her own in the Knights' final home regular season competition.
"I got a beautiful through ball from Daniella, where I sent it into the box, and Madyn was able to put it into the back of the net," Collard said. "It was such a fun night, playing with all of my seniors! I am so thankful for this team!"
Representing for the junior class was Caprice Chiuchiolo, who notched another hat trick, while coming up with the Knights' first assist of the match.
The underclassmen also emerged as key contributors, as Mila Russo and Madyn Allan scored two apiece, and Millie Torre connected with Chiuchiolo twice, and Allan once to post a trio of assists.
The Knights are back in action on January 30th against reigning state champion and crosstown rival Benjamin Franklin. It will mark the first time that the two teams have met since February, 18th, 2023 when the Chargers defeated GCHS 3-1 for the state title. BFHS is 9-1 on the year.
-GO KNIGHTS-
