Phoenix, AZ- A goal by Freshman Marisa Ortiz broke a seven game scoreless streak for Arizona Christian against Hope International.  Unfortunately, the Royals still prevailed 4-1 over the Firestorm on Saturday.

The Royals (4-2-1, 1-1 GSAC) controlled the first 15-20 minutes of the match as they fired off five of the first seven shots.  That said, the first shot by the Firestorm (2-2-1, 0-2 GSAC) on the day was a golden opportunity as Ortiz found herself in behind the HIU defense on breakaway but was turned away by HIU goalkeeper Jacqueline Talley.

About a minute later, Hope International netted their first goal.

Just under 15 minutes into the game Junior Zoe Kalos drove a shot that looked like it might sneak under the bar but Talley deflected the shot into crossbar and out of play.

Once again, the next shot of the game found the back of the net for HIU.

After Freshman Braxton Carhart had a shot denied, Ortiz went to work and dribbled through about four defenders and slotted home the seven game drought ender about 90 seconds before the half.  For Ortiz, it was her fourth goal of the season.

Less than five minutes into the second half, the Royals tacked on the game changing third goal.  Their fourth goal came with about 10 minutes left.

The Firestorm now face the daunting challenge of going to NCAA DI New Mexico State on Monday.  Kickoff will take place at 1:00 pm Arizona Time or 2:00 pm locally in Las Cruces, NM.