Grand Canyon looked very solid in moving to 2-1 in the women's Pacific Desert Conference, beating UCSD 43-0 over the weekend.

Zariah Faaopega scored two tries for the 'Lopes, as did Chloe Geryol. Maleah Stewart, CYnthia Fonoinmoana, and Sofia Rico also scored tries, while Bianca Curtis added three conversions and Samantha Garcia added one more.

It's the second step in a good start for GCU Head Coach Lindsey Mahoney despite their early shutout loss to BYU.

"This is the first season we are seeing real depth in the program," Mahoney told GRR. "Roster selections are getting more and more difficult each week and we are thrilled to have that as an added challenge to the season."

Mahoney said the team is starting to add complexity to their attack and the system they are using expects players to make decisions and taken ownership of decisions throughout the positions.

"I was worried in introducing this new system that players wouldn’t buy in or be able to accept some of the changes, but the girls have taken to the challenge and exceeded my expectations," said Mahoney. "We have had to be patient in that there have been high-risk, high-reward scenarios in the way we are playing with out-the-back options, offloads, and really creative play that goes wrong as the girls are figuring out their timing and execution. We are embracing those risks as a team and coaching staff by encouraging risks even if they lead to mistakes."

GCU has started to smooth out the errors and come together a bit more. AIC transfer Kalika Havili has been a strong addition on and off the field, and Kloe Williams has made an impact in leadership, as well.

On the field, SyAnne Callier has been both an attacking, and defensive threat. A rugby newbie Callier has moved from being a late game impact player to contributing for a full 80. Canadian freshman Kaitlyn Pool has been very good, also.

"It’s been so much fun witnessing the exponential growth each of the girls have had. It’s a really fun environment to coach in and it honestly makes me wish I could go back in time and play for a team like this," said Mahoney.

Leading the conference, of course, is spring CRAA D1 favorite BYU. Under new Head Coach Jared Whippy, the Cougars have won three games and their defense has been outstanding. They are sparked by some veteran talents such as center Kathryn Stowers, brilliant fullback Talosia Morrissette, and the snappy flyhalf Ku'ulei Uluave. In the forwards, Lewanda Aspinall and Roxana Penaloza anchor a really effective back row, and the redoubtable Alyssa Erickson at hooker.

Also moving to two wins this week is UCLA with a 43-0 shutout over Arizona. Helen Kaidantzis, Po Yin Pong, Charlotte Christey, Karrin Evans, Elia Figueroa, Madison Purves, and Juliana Abello all scored tries for the Bruins, with Purves adding four conversions. Christey and Figueroa continue to figure on the scoresheets.