(Photo via Reece Andrews/WCSN)
On the pitch for the first time since September 1 due to COVID-19 protocols, the Arizona State Women’s Soccer team was looking to stay undefeated against the Grambling State Tigers.
The COVID-19 protocols were just another hiccup in what has been a rollercoaster nonconference schedule for the Sun Devils. They have had one game played over two days, a game paused then resumed due to lightning and now two games canceled because of COVID. And, given the 12 days off, ASU was happy to get back out on the field.
The Sun Devils (3-0-2) were able to get back on track Wednesday night, defeating Grambling State 5-0 to remain undefeated on the season.
“It was frustrating trying to get through the COVID period because we didn’t have everybody together. Then one player was back training in a mask and then another one. So, it was a bit all over the place,” Sun Devil head coach Graham Winkworth said. “They were just excited to get back out and play. I was a bit concerned that they wouldn’t have that level, but I thought we started the game really well and controlled the game.”
Despite the long break, fifth-year forward Nicole Douglas picked up right where she left off a little under two weeks ago. Coming off of setting the ASU record for goals scored, Douglas set her sights on the Sun Devil total points record, only trailing Stacey Tullock at 125 points. She hit her mark by achieving a hat trick in the first 40 minutes, her point tally resting at 126.
Douglas’ first goal came in the 20th minute as she pierced through the Grambling State back line and with one extra touch she buried it home for her first goal of the game. And only one minute later Douglas added her second goal of the game, fighting off three defenders at once to put ASU up 2-0.
Then, after fellow super senior Alexia Delgado scored, Douglas achieved the hat trick, and the points record, by cutting across the middle of the box, passing three defenders, and putting it home.
The first-half hat trick not only secured Douglas the points record but also the program’s career goal-winning record, obtaining her 17th game-winning goal.
Douglas, despite achieving three records over her last two games, gave all the credit to her teammates and was only happy that her contributions got her team the win.
“I didn’t even know I had all of them. Credit to my teammates, if it was not for the talent on the field then it wouldn’t be possible,” Douglas said. “I just try to work the best that I can and come off the field knowing that I couldn’t do any better. Ultimately we got a clean sheet today and the win, so it is looking positive going into Sunday.”
With the lead 4-0 at the half, Winkworth decided to get every Sun Devil playing time in the second half, something he sees as a luxury before the competition gets tough in Pac-12 play.
“I would love to get everybody in the game,” Winkworth said. “ It won’t happen if we are not comfortable because we got some of our elite players who have to be on the pitch. I would love to be able to do that but, especially in the PAC-12, the situation doesn’t usually give us that opportunity, but if we are I’ll be dancing.”
With a 55th-minute goal from junior midfielder Jazmine Wilkinson, the Sun Devils secured their win over the Tigers, keeping Winkworth’s squad undefeated on the season, but will look to keep that unbeaten streak alive Sunday, September 18th against Toledo for their final nonconference game.
