The No. 20 Utah State Eastern women's soccer team earned a 4-2 victory over Truckee Meadows Community College on Thursday, led by Mia Pickering's first hat trick of the season.
Pickering opened the scoring in the fifth minute with her first goal of the season, assisted by Brookley Rasmussen and Ellyse Kessler. Pickering struck again in the 16th minute, doubling Eastern's lead to 2-0.
The Eagles continued to pressure the Lizards, with Mikayla Stewart finding the back of the net in the 37th minute to give Eastern a 3-0 advantage. Eastern recorded 18 shots in the opening half and carried its three-goal lead into halftime.
Pickering completed the hat trick in the 51st minute, scoring off an assist from Rasmussen to give Eastern a 4-0 lead. Truckee Meadows responded with two goals late in the match, but the Eagles held on for the 4-2 victory.
Eastern finished the match with 22 shots while limiting the Lizards to just four. The Eagles put seven shots on goal and forced seven saves from the Truckee Meadows goalkeeper. Eastern's goalkeeper was not required to make a save.
The No. 20 Eagles will now hit the road for their longest trip of the season when they travel to North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The match is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24.
