GLENVILLE, W.Va. - The Glenville State Women's Soccer team started the 2023 season on a high note this afternoon, shutting out the Big Blue of Bluefield State 3-0 at Morris Stadium.  

1st Half 
The Pioneers started the offensive attack early, putting their first shot on goal three minutes into the game as freshman Aitana Viejo tried to sneak it past the goalkeeper on the right side of the net but couldn't squeeze it by her. Just seven minutes later, Merel Smets knocked in the header from Mackenzie Hendricks' free kick, putting GSU on the board. 

Irene Robles tried to extend the Pioneer lead 35 seconds later, missing just high over the post. The Big Blue didn't get off their first shot until the 39-minute mark of the half. By that time, GSU had already got five shots off. At the half, Glenville State led 1-0. 

2nd Half 
The offensive attack was just as aggressive in the 2nd Half for the Pioneers, putting two shots on goal in the first four minutes. The aggressiveness paid off for GSU at the 53-minute mark as Merel Smets found the back of the net on an assist from Graylin Floyd. Smets' second goal of the game gave her 10 on her career now, adding to her already GSU all-time feat and becoming the first Pioneer with double-digit goals in a career in program history. 

From there, the Pioneers would register seven more shots with three of them being on goal and saved by BSU. At the 88th minute, Aitana Viejo earned her first goal of her collegiate career, slicing through the defense and hitting from point-blank range to give the Pioneers their third goal of the game. That would be the finisher as Glenville State won 3-0. 

The Final Stats 
Merel Smets led the Pioneers with two goals and Aitana Viejo chimed in with one herself. Mackenzie Hendricks and Graylin Floyd both recorded an assist. Hannah Hill took a game-high seven shots followed by Merel Smets' five.  

For the Big Blue, they only got three shots off as a team but none were on goal. Rylee Truslow recorded six saves. 

Up Next For The Pioneers 
Glenville State heads to Lake Erie College on Wednesday to face the Storm at noon in Painesville, Ohio.