BEREA, Ky. – Junior forward Enrique Hernandez scored his second hat trick of the season and third of his career for the LaGrange College men's soccer team during a 3-0 triumph at Berea Saturday afternoon.
The matchup was the USA South opener for the Panthers (4-2-0, 1-0-0) and Mountaineers (1-5-1, 0-1-0). Junior midfielder Blake Webb tallied two assists and freshman goalkeeper Andrew Cole picked up his first collegiate win and shutout.
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Hernandez and Webb rank first overall in goals (8) and assists (8), respectively, in the USA South during the 2021 fall season. Hernandez is tied for second with 16 points and Webb is tied for fifth with 12.
"We played a solid game today with good attacking play, while also keeping a clean sheet," said LaGrange College Men's Soccer Head Coach Ryan Dickson. "We knew the game would be competitive and physical and we prepared for that. With it being our first conference game of the season, the result is that much more important. Now, it is time for us to build on this and keep putting in good performances."
Hernandez, who has three hat tricks in his last seven games, opened the scoring in the 25th minute off a pass by Webb. With 1:11 remaining in the opening half, Hernandez buried a penalty kick, sending LC into intermission with a 2-0 advantage.
Hernandez sealed the deal for the visitors, finding the back of the net during the 88th minute off an assist by Webb. Cole made three saves in net during his second collegiate start.
Hernandez was tied for first in total shots (5) and led all players in shots on goal (4). LaGrange held a 15-12 advantage in shots and a 7-6 lead in corner kicks. LC put seven shots on net, while three of the Mountaineers' shots were on target.
The Panthers will host Maryville in a USA South showdown on Saturday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m. on Panther Field.
Assistant Sports Information Director Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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