MARIETTA, Ga. ---- Leah McDaid recorded the first hat trick of her career today as the Life University women's soccer team recorded a dominant, 4-1, victory over Thomas More in Mid-South Conference action at Lupo Family Field.

NOTES
• The team's second-straight convincing victory in conference play moves Life U's record to 6-7-2 (2-7-1), while Thomas More drops to 2-8 (2-7).
 
STANDOUT PERFORMERS 
• McDaid put together a career performance on her way to a hat trick. The sophomore's three goals came on a team high six shots, shooting accurately all game with five of those shots on goal. McDaid also assisted the only Life U goal not scored by her on the day.
• Mathilde Sletner continued her strong play of late, posting a goal on four shots.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED 
• Both teams found themselves with chances to score early, but it was Life U breaking through first, McDaid getting the ball to Sletner who found the back of the net with 33:35 left in the half to take a 1-0 lead. The Saints responded 10 minutes later to knot things up at 1-1. In the 31st minute, McDaid netted her first goal, the Running Eagles taking back the lead, 2-1, and never looking back. The Saints attempted another goal in what remained of the half, but Emily Hounsell stopped the try with a save to see the half end 2-1.
• Life U kicked the second half off with a near instantaneous goal from McDaid that was assisted by Niamh Halloren, giving the team some breathing room at 3-1. In the 59th minute, McDaid completed her hat trick and provided the final score of the game as Life U steered their way to the 4-1 victory, while the defense held off the Thomas More attack.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
• Life U had a slight edge in shots taken at 17-16, while the teams tied with six shots on goal each.
• The Running Eagles had a strong advantage in saves recorded as Hounsell put together a strong game, leading the category 5-2.
• Life U did not get as many corner shots in the game, trailing Thomas More in the category 9-6.
• The game had a fair amount of fouls, Life U leading that category 12-7 and cards received 6-2.
 
UP NEXT
• The Running Eagles end the regular season at home Tuesday, March 23 at 4 PM, facing Georgetown College as the team honors its seniors.