FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's soccer team earned an 3-0 victory over Grambling on Thursday evening in the squads' first ever matchup. It was the Eagles' first contest at Pickering Field in three weeks and their second home victory of the season, along with a season-opening win over Webber International on Aug. 17.

FGCU's offense put immediate pressure on Grambling, notching eight of the first nine shots of the match across the first 28 minutes. Lily Borders forced a Tigers' goal line clearance in the 17th minute and Tessa Brooks had a shot saved in the 28th. In the 30th minute, however, Brooks broke through with a strike into the bottom left corner of the net, giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead. It was the first goal of the freshman's career. Defender Elena Hinkson picked up the assist, only the fifth-year senior's second helper and point. Hinkson's other assist came in October 2023 against Austin Peay.

Just over two minutes later, FGCU doubled its advantage courtesy of Erika Zschuppe. The Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Player and Midfielder of the Year gave the Eagles a 2-0 lead with her fifth goal of the season. Freshman Lexie Bennet provided the assist, the second of her young career. The Green and Blue took that advantage into halftime, sporting 13 shots, of which were on goal compared to Grambling's single attempt in the opening period.

Across the first 30 minutes of the second half, three of the four shots belonged to Grambling, one of which forced a save from Eagles' goalkeeper Madara Matrevica, but the Tigers could not get one past the Latvian international. Matrevica finished with four stops for the match, one in the first half and three in the second.

Zschuppe made it a brace in the 84th minute, putting the match out of reach and handing FGCU a 3-0 lead. With her two goals and four points, the senior moved into third place on the Eagles all-time points list with 78, surpassing Louise Lillback's 77 (2019-22). Zschuppe is also third on the program's all-time career goals list with 31, three behind Lilliback in second. The midfielder also finished the match with a career-high 10 shots.

The Green and Blue concluded the evening with 19 shots, eight of which were on goal. Both totals are the team's second highest of the season. FGCU had 35 shots and 21 on goal against Webber International. The Eagles allowed six shots, the second fewest their defense has allowed this year, behind only Webber International's three tries on Aug. 17.

FGCU (3-3-1, 0-0-0 ASUN) finishes with a .500 record against non-conference opponents and undefeated against non-SEC teams. The Eagles return to action on Sunday at 4 p.m. when they travel to DeLand, Fla. to take on Stetson in their first match of ASUN play.