MOUNT OLIVE (Sept. 14) – Freshman
Kaat Koper joined exclusive company on Saturday after scoring just the third-ever hat trick in program history, as the Trojans registered a 5-0 victory over Coker in South Atlantic Conference (SAC) play at Ray McDonald Sr. Sports Complex.
With the win, the University of Mount Olive field hockey team earns a third consecutive victory to improve to 3-1 overall behind a 2-0 mark in league action. The Trojans have won the last six meetings between the sides while claiming a 29th straight conference victory. Meanwhile, the Cobras drop to 0-3 this season with an identical record in conference play.
In the first quarter, the Trojans immediately controlled possession in their offensive end, as senior
Amber Dercksen delivered her second goal of the season at the 1:58 mark off an assist from fellow senior
Sophia Frugoni, 1-0. Mount Olive quickly took a 2-0 advantage just past the four-minute mark with a goal from sophomore
Jemimah Kriechelberg while senior
Annefleur Moerkerken was awarded the assist. UMO finished the first quarter with nine total shots and three penalty corners. At the 27:45 mark of the second, freshman
Nakai Mujaranji directed a pass in front of the goal which was deflected into the cage by Koper to extend the lead, 3-0. Just under two minutes later, the Trojans forced a turnover near midfield with Dercksen delivering a pass to Koper, who scored her second of the game to hold a 4-0 lead.
Mount Olive recorded a dominant third quarter as the team totaled 15 shots and six penalty corners. Koper completed her hat trick at the 33:27 mark after scoring in front of the goal off an assist by Dercksen.
Senior
Alanna Barrett and freshman Lola Muñoz de Verger played 30 minutes to combine for the Saturday shutout.
The Trojans finished with a 36-0 shot advantage in the match while holding a 16-1 edge in penalty corners.
UMO continues South Atlantic Conference play on Tuesday, Sept. 17, with a matchup against Wingate set for 3 p.m.
