Box Score RIPON, Wis. - The season couldn't have started any better for Paige Pierce and the Ripon College women's soccer team, as they turned in a dominating performance in a 6-1 victory against Lakeland University.

Pierce recorded her second career hat trick, netting a career-high four goals, including three in the first half. The sophomore's four goals are tied for third in program history for a single game, just two shy of Brandi Peltier's school record.

Pierce's first goal came unassisted on a shot from the top into the bottom left corner of the net just six minutes into the contest. Seventeen minutes later, she scored again on an assist from Brianna Schnell, before finishing off the hat trick just one minute before halftime on an assist from Jacie Verstegen.

Schnell got into the scoring column early in the second half for the freshman's first collegiate goal. Eight minutes later, Pierce was at it again, receiving a cross from freshman Riley Pennington, which she put into the upper left part of the net. Schnell capped Ripon's scoring with her second goal of the game in the 64th minute on an assist from Kate Kabacinski.

"Overall I was extremely pleased with our play today. We emphasized the importance of dictating how the game was played right from the opening whistle, which is exactly what we did," Ripon Head Coach Greg Ruark said. "The girls played with confidence and their mentality was excellent. The key is to repeat this performance Sunday and continue to improve."

Freshmen Mica Rivera and Stefani Zeiger combined for eight saves in the game, while Lakeland's Grace Daehling saved 14 shots, while playing all 90 minutes. Ripon out-shot the Muskies 23-9, including 14-2 in the first half.

The Red Hawks will try to build on this performance Sunday when they'll host Saint Mary's (Minn.) at 1 p.m. at Prairie Field in Ripon.