WASHINGTON - What began as a normal sunny and hot day at Hotchkiss Field turned into a bizarre and lengthy day for the Gallaudet University women's soccer program. The Bison were rewarded for their patience and perseverance as they celebrated a 4-0 win over University of Valley Forge.

Junior Ashley Harlicker (Shenandoah, Texas) had a memorable day on the pitch to lead the Bison. Harlicker scored three goals in a 12-minute span in the first half as Gallaudet (1-2) jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Harlicker's first goal came 12 minutes into the game off an assist from senior Courtney Gentzke (Honeoye, N.Y.). The second mark came in the 19th minute on a fast break that left Harlicker 1-on-1 with Patriot goalie Maria Hernandez (two saves). Harlicker completed the hat trick off an assist from junior Reza Mosher (Danville, Calif.) at the 24:27 mark. 

It seemed to be smooth sailing for the buff and blue until the 29th minute when thunder was heard and later lightning seen even though it was sunny and muggy here Saturday in the nation's capital. The teams and fans vacated Hotchkiss Field and sought shelter in the Field House to wait out a two and a half-hour delay. A major thunderstorm moved through the area and play resumed over three hours since the game originally began.

The two teams agreed to keep things moving as they completed the final 16 minutes of the first half. After a brief break, the teams played 25 more minutes to make the game official at the 70th minute as the referee called the game over.

During the second half, Gallaudet scored one more goal as junior Danielle Fisher (Pittsburgh, Pa.) scored on a fast break opportunity against Hernandez. This was Fisher's first goal of the season and second career goal. 

The two teams had three corner kicks each in the abbreviated second half. The Patriots finished with two shots on goal as Bison junior goalie Lilian Nelson (Minneapolis, Minn.) made two saves. 

Valley Forge (0-2), now a member of the United East Conference, competes in the Skye Division for women's soccer while GU is in the Volt Division. This game was considered a non-conference game for both teams.

BISON TRACKS

• Gallaudet last won on Oct. 22, 2021
• This was the first shutout for the Bison defense since Nov. 1, 2019
• GU is 3-0-1 all-time against Valley Forge
• The Bison have outscored the Patriots 24-2 in the four meetings
• This was the first time these two teams played since 2017

UP NEXT
GU continues the weekend homestand as it will host Penn St.-Scranton (0-0) tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 10) at noon.