Box Score LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Thomas University women's soccer team was defeated, 7-0, by No. 20 Georgia Gwinnett Friday night at the Grizzly Soccer Complex in TU's season opener. 

"I'm very pleased with the effort and heart today," Head Coach Julie Orlowski said. "We did not start off strong and they punished us early. But once we got our feet under us, it was a much better match. Our young team learned a lot today from a very well coached opponent."

Freshman Selma Brorsson led the team with a pair of shots, while senior Katy Hunt and freshmen Jonna Wittwer and Cara Eaton each attempted one. Thomas was outshot 16-5 overall and 9-3 on goal. 

GGC scored each of its first two goals on set pieces, as a corner kick was headed in three minutes into the match, then another six minutes later, giving the Grizzlies the 2-0 lead. After a third GGC goal in the 28th minute, TU senior goalkeeper Kara Houston saved a shot, but GGC kicked in the carom to take a 4-0 lead with 15 minutes left in the half. 

After GGC scored on a breakaway in the 59th minute, Thomas went on the offensive, attempting four shots over the next 12 minutes. Brorsson's shot was blocked, then Eaton's sailed high before Wittwer and Hunt's shots were both saved. 

GGC scored two more goals in the final 16 minutes to take the 7-0 victory. 

"We played very well for 60 minutes," Orlowski added. "Our team showed great character by not packing it in. They rallied at halftime and have really made me excited for the next match."

Thomas next travels to Cochran, Ga., to face Middle Georgia State on Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. before returning to the TU Soccer Complex Sept. 5 to face Point (Ga.) at 4 p.m.