ABILENE, Tex. --- Freshman Kathleen Stewart recorded the second hat trick in Wayland soccer history on Friday afternoon, helping the Pioneer women to a 3-1 victory over McMurry University.
Stewart, a graduate of Wichita Falls' RiderHigh School,scored the only goal of the first period after dribbling through two defenders and beating the McMurry keeper to the back post.
The Pioneers took a 2-0 lead when Stewart took a chip pass from senior Najuka Anderson and put it in the net five and a half minutes into the second period.
McMurry made it 2-1 just seconds later on a goal by Stephanie Nevels off a pass from Erin Ray.
WBU goalie Samantha Garcia made a tremendous save on a potential game-tying goal late in the contest, and Stewart put it out of reach when she took the rebound of a shot by Haley Hill that went off the post.
The only other hat trick turned in by a Pioneer came in 2007 when Renee Ulloa scored three against the College of the Southwest.
Shiloh Posey, who is in his fourth year as coach of the Wayland women, said that even though it was one of those days when everyone seemed a bit off, his team continued to battle.
"The girls stayed together and got the win. I believe that is the sign of a mature team that plays for each other."
Ajunior transfer from Western Texas College, Garcia got the win with a complete game, making four saves.
The Pioneers forced McMurry goalkeeper Hillari Chambers into making 17 saves and outshot their opponent 32-15 , taking 20 in the second half alone. Stewart had 10 shots, nine of which were on goal. Anderson put up six shots, and Roxanne Paslay posted five.
Wayland (1-1) goes for its second win of the young season next Saturday with a game against Howard Payne University in Brownwood.
