The Hancock College coaching staff was confident Tuesday as Hancock defender Ruby Graciliano approached the ball before taking her free kick.

The confidence was well-founded. Graciliano lined a rocket of a free kick into the net from about 35 yards out in the 13th minute of the second half, and the Bulldogs salvaged a 2-2 tie with Santa Monica at Hancock in the season opener for both women's soccer teams.

"We had a little feeling over here," Hancock coach Billy Vinnedge said afterward. "(Graciliano) has a big shot and a big leg.

"That was a highlight reel free kick."

Graciliano said, "I was just kind of going toward the goal (on the kick), hoping someone would score on the rebound." Instead, Graciliano booted the ball straight into the net for the tying goal.

The Bulldogs came from be

See Full Page