Shepherd's hat trick paces HU to 4-1 win over Ohio Christian

Circleville, Ohio – The Huntington women's soccer team observed Labor Day on Monday by celebrating a 4-1 road win over Ohio Christian. It was the first time in program history these two squads met.

Sophie Shepherd accomplished a feat that every soccer player dreams of doing but very few actually achieve – a coveted hat trick. The sophomore forward's first goal came 16 minutes in. Not only did it break up a 1-1 stalemate, it also proved the game-winner.

Nine minutes before halftime, she added to the lead on a left-footed strike that found back netting on a through ball played in by Jianna Simons. Shepherd completed her hat trick in the 82nd minute when Simons found her again. She needed just six shots to complete the soccer rarity. The Carmel native has five goals this season, 11 for her career.

HU's first goal was a tap-in by Ella Hartman on a cross from Ellie Cirrincione three minutes after the opening whistle. Unfortunately, the celebration of her first collegiate goal was quickly silenced when the Trailblazers (1-1-1) countered seconds later. Thankfully, it wasn't long before Shepherd started her scoring onslaught to pace Huntington to win number three on the year.

The Foresters (3-1) outshot their hosts 10-5. Ireland Aerni collected the win in net having made one save in 90 minutes of work. Coach Lewis and crew return to King Stadium on Saturday to host Anderson at 1:30 p.m.

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 160 NAIA All-America honors and 567 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.