Chickasha, Okla. –
Daniel Ruiz scored a hat-trick including the game-winner in the 49
th minute to propel the Wayland Baptist men's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over Science & Arts on the road at McLaughlin Field in Chickasha, Okla. The win broke a two-game losing skid for the Pioneers.
The Drovers grabbed an early lead in the 15
th minute before Ruiz started the scoring for the Pioneers with a goal off of an assist by
Harry Garbutt in the 32
nd minute to draw the match even at 1-1. Ruiz added his second goal of the day off another assist from Garbutt in the 49
th minute to take a 2-1 advantage. Ruiz capped the day with his third goal in the 68
th minute as it was unassisted to push the lead to 3-1, The Drovers cut the lead to one in the 80
th minute, but the Wayland Baptist defense took over and allowed only one shot over the final 10 minutes of the match to secure the win. The hat trick for Ruiz was the first in the senior's time at Wayland Baptist.
Stat Leaders:
Goals – Ruiz – 3 (6)
Assists – Garbutt - 2
Shots – Ruiz– 4
Shots on Goal – Ruiz – 3
Saves –
Adriano Coppolecchia - 3
Records:
Wayland Baptist – 6-3-1, 3-2-0 SAC
Science & Arts – 4-7-3, 0-4-1 SAC
Up Next – The Pioneers host Mid-America Christian on Tuesday evening in a key SAC battle set to begin at 7:30 p.m.
