(GLOBE, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian picked up its first win of 2024 on Tuesday evening, defeating Globe 14-0 on the road via mercy rule. A trio of Knights, senior Daniella Orellana, junior Caprice Chiuchiolo, and freshman Madyn Allan, posted hat-tricks in the contest, while the defense managed another impressive shutout.
With the victory, GCHS moves to 5-0. The Knights have outscored opponents 49-3 in 2023-24.
Allan, the squad's impressive newcomer, led the charge with her three goals and three assists. Not far behind was the consistent Chiuchiolo, who dished a pair of assists, and added three more scores to her incredible career total.
Orellana, who played in her first game without her knee brace, made the most of her time on the field, scoring three and assisting one on the night.
The freshman class was on fire against the Tigers, as Mila Russo and Meredith Johnson added to the team's statistics with a goal and an assist apiece in the win. Avery Carter had a breakout offensive game, finding the back of the net twice for the Knights, while Charlotte Shimkus, one of GCHS's defensive standouts, made her presence known on offense, with a score of her own in the affair.
"Defensively, we have been rock solid working out of the back and providing opportunities to advance the ball to the attacking half," Shimkus said. "Entering 2024, our team chemistry is on point. Against Globe High School, it was exciting to play in an offensive position and put the ball in the back of the net!"
The team's four remaining assists were dished by freshman Riley Bublitz, junior Ella Cariveau, senior Megan Collard and freshman Millie Torre.
"This was an impressive performance for our team," Head Coach Hector Orellana said. "We overpowered Globe with our attack and Selah Hommel and the defense recorded another clean sheet. We got the job done and now we are focusing on next week's three games."
First on the docket is a January 8th regional contest at Coolidge (4:00pm). The Knights return home on January 10th for another regional match-up against Florence (4:00pm), before heading back on the road on January 12th to face Pusch Ridge (6:00pm).
-GO KNIGHTS-
