MORROW, Ga. - Fueled by a hat trick from senior Riley Clark, the Columbus State University women's soccer team defeated Clayton State 3-1 Saturday evening. The Peach Belt Conference match took place at Laker FIeld in Morrow, Ga.

It was Clark's third hat trick of her career and the first by any Lady Cougar in 2019.

"It's nice to pick up back-to-back victories," said head coach Jay Entlich. "We need to keep up this intensity and keep focusing on what we can control from here on out." 

Just like she did on Wednesday, Clark put Columbus State (6-6, 2-4 PBC) ahead early. In the sixth minute, the forward found a cross from fellow senior Flo Spano and lofted a shot over the goalkeeper's head for her first goal of the night.

Clayton State (4-3-1, 1-2-1) didn't go down quietly though tying the match in the 23^rd minute.

However, the Lady Cougars quickly responded. Just 73 seconds later, Spano once again set-up Clark by flipping the ball to the left side of the box. Clark powered the ball into the net to put CSU back ahead. 
 
After starting the second half with the one-goal lead, Columbus State added on in the 55^th minute. Weaving by defenders, Clark snuck through Clayton State's backline before finding a hole to the right of the goalkeeper to complete the hat trick. Junior Kimmy May recorded the assist on the play.

Columbus State held off a few late attempts by Clayton State. Sara Halilhodzic had to make four saves in the second half, including three over the final 10 minutes to preserve the victory. Bria Riancho started the match to grab the victory. She made three saves over her 45 minutes of action.

Overall, Clayton State outshot the Lady Cougars 14-12. However, CSU had a 9-8 shot on goal advantage. 

Columbus State will play its final nonconference match of the season on Wednesday, Oct. 16 hosting Nova Southeastern. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Walden Soccer Complex.

Match Notes
• The Lady Cougars recorded back-to-back victories for the first time since starting the year 3-0. 
• Columbus State has now won eight straight matches against Clayton State.
• Riley Clark has now scored in five straight matches for CSU, the longest scoring streak of her career. 
• With the three goals, Clark is now 10^th all-time in Peach Belt Conference history with 46. 
• The hat trick was the 20^th all-time in Columbus State history. 
• Flo Spano is now fourth all-time in Columbus State history with 27 career assists.