WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University women's soccer team had to battle Hollins University and the sweltering heat here Sunday afternoon at a sundrenched Hotchkiss Field. 

The temperature hovered around the low 90s but the real feel temperature at the start of the game was 101 degrees. The heat took a toll on both teams and fans as each team played down players, at times, as the game was called in the 78th minute once it became an official contest instead of playing a full 90 minutes.

In the end, Hollins defeated the Bison, 7-1, to spoil the home opener for Gallaudet. 

The Bison (0-2) scored its first goal of the season in the 40th minute when junior Ashley Harlicker (Shenandoah, Texas) scored on a low shot past Hollins goalie T Shover (one save). Harlicker was assisted on the goal by senior Courtney Gentzke (Honeoye, N.Y.) as the Bison cut the Hollins lead in half, 2-1, as the teams went seeking shade at the half.

In the second half, Hollins scored five unanswered goals as the green and gold celebrated its first win since 2019. Hollins had three players score two goals each in Evelin Lemus-Arriaga, Anna Starman and Faith Falter, who scored the final two goals of the game. 

Gallaudet junior goalie Lilian Nelson (Minneapolis, Minn.) finished the game with 10 saves as Hollins took 27 shots and eight corner kicks. Harlicker led the Bison with three shots (two on goal) in the first half.

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GU will regroup and host University of Valley Forge on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m.