Soccer Streak Continues with 6-1 Win

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – University of Saint Joseph junior Patricia Nolan (Portland, Conn.) scored three times to record her fourth career hat trick as the Blue Jays defeated Rivier, Saturday 6-1 in a GNAC game played before a robust Family Day crowd.

The three goals gave Nolan seven for the season, tying her with Sara Barnick (Watertown, Conn.) for the team lead, and extending her career school-record total to 38.

Saint Joseph, ranked a program-best 14th in the latest NSCAA New England Division III poll, improved to 8-1-1 overall and 6-0-1 in the GNAC. The Blue Jays are unbeaten in their past nine games, tying a school record set from Oct. 1-25, 2008 when they also went 8-0-1.

Susan O'Loughlin gave Rivier (3-8-1, 1-6-1 GNAC) a 1-0 lead with her sixth goal of the year before the Blue Jays would score six unanswered goals, three in each half.

Nolan scored two first-half goals, sandwiched around the fourth goal of the season from sophomore midfielder Katie Mirabella (Seymour, Conn.).

Nolan's third goal got things started in the second half and pushed USJs lead to 4-1. Freshmen Michelle Turkington (Cromwell, Conn.) and Jaclyn Steeves (Everett, Mass.) each scored their second goal of the season for the Blue Jays in the closing minutes.

Tiana Saraceno (Plainville, Conn.) had two assists for USJ. Melissa Dodge (Watertown, Conn.) made 10 saves for the Blue Jays, who outshot the Raiders, 22-11.

"It was a good conference win for us," Saint Joseph coach Chris LeGates said. "Rivier was very difficult for us to break down and the [soft] field was difficult for both teams. We were fortunate to get a good overall team performance."

Saint Joseph plays at Anna Maria Mon. Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. The Blue Jays next play home Sat. Oct. 13 against Simmons at 1 p.m. USJs match-up against Lasell, ranked 13th in New England, postponed on Oct. 3 has been rescheduled for Mon. Oct. 15 at home, beginning at 4 p.m.