(GILBERT, Ariz.) No. 1 Gilbert Christian made a statement in its opening match of the AIA Girls' Soccer State Championship Tournament, defeating No. 16 Yuma Catholic 9-2, to advance to the quarterfinal round. Junior Caprice Chiuchiolo put on a clinic in the affair, scoring a trio for the hat-trick, while dishing out a pair of assists.

The Knights were tested early in the contest, when a Shamrocks' set piece put the state leaders down a goal at the 36-minute mark.

The deficit didn't last long, however, as GCHS cranked up the intensity to post one of its own less than 60 seconds later, using a perfect sequence of passes to fire the ball past the Yuma Catholic keeper. Chiuchiolo started chain, finding an opening on the right wing, where senior Jaidyn Wilson sent the ball flying back toward the middle, and freshman powerhouse Mila Russo finished, scoring to even the match at 1-all.

From there, the floodgates opened, as the Knights recorded goal-after-goal (after goal) until the final buzzer sounded.

Russo wrapped the game with two goals and an assist. Senior Daniella Orellana ran the midfield to perfection, finding her teammates with eagle-eyed precision to record three assists. Also with three assists was freshman standout Madyn Allan. Allan was excellent, per usual, netting a score of her own in the win.

Wilson notched a goal and assist for GCHS, and three of the Knights' incredible freshman finished the Shamrocks off. Avery Carter and Meredith Johnson registered a goal apiece, while Millie Torre was responsible for passing Chiuchiolo's first of the match. 

With the victory, Gilbert Christian extends its streak to 13-straight.

GCHS is back in action on Saturday at noon against the No. 9-seeded Crismon Rattlers. The game will be played on the Knights' home turf. 

-GO KNIGHTS-