August 29, 2008

Smith Records First Career Hat Trick

Box Score

Dahlonega, GA - North Georgia College & State University had a strong start to the 2008 season with a 6-0 win over Erskine College at the Soccer Complex Friday evening. Preseason All-Conference selection Casey Smith led the team with her first career hat trick while tallying an assist for seven points. 

Smith gave the Lady Saints an early 1-0 lead in the ninth minute as she powered a goal to the back of the net.  The Lady Saints’ lead increased to 2-0 in the 26th minute with another goal from Smith on an assist from Delana Thomas. 

The outstanding defense led by Brittany Bauschka and Erin Cummings did not allow a shot in the first half.

Smith came out in the second half and continued her scoring trend, recording her first career hat trick in the 56th minute on an assist by Lauren Hughes to give the Lady Saints a 3-0 lead. 

Lauren Schenk’s header just four minutes later gave North Georgia a 4-0 lead while Smith continued her early season dominance with the assist.  

After just entering the game, Katie Turner scored her first goal of the season on a Rachel Peckham assist to make it 5-0.  Freshman Danielle Brannon capped the night off with a goal in the 84th minute for a 6-0 final.

For Erskine College, goalkeeper Jordan Lawson tallied 8 saves.  The Lady Saints’ defense only allowed one shot and no shots on goal. 

The Lady Saints are back in action on Sunday afternoon, hosting North Alabama at 4:00 p.m.