Ball State University
Akron
Holst's Hat Trick Leads Soccer Past Akron, 3-0
October 15, 2006 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. ? Senior midfielder Amy Holst recorded her first career hat trick to lead the Ball State soccer team to a 3-0 victory over Mid-American Conference foe Akron on Sunday afternoon at the BSU Soccer Field. The victory improves the Cardinals to
"We have been generating chances in our final third the last couple of games and today we were able to capitalize on those chances," head coach Michelle Salmon said. "Amy had a great game today and our entire midfield's play was the difference in the game."
Holst, a native of Shawnee Mission, Kan., tied a Ball State record with three goals in the game, all of which came in the first half for the natural hat trick. She becomes just the third player in Cardinal history to score three times in a game and becomes the first player since Erica Ehrman accomplished the feat in 2000.
The Cardinals dominated play from the beginning of the game as they out-shot the Zips, 21-4. Holst opened the scoring in the eighth minute of action as the Cardinals used high pressure to secure a corner kick. Defender Lindsay Martin lofted the corner kick into the box where Holst was able to get her head on it and push it past Akron goalkeeper Krystin Wilson.
Holst again found the back of the net just eight minutes later as she took a beautiful cross from Sarah Schumaker at the top of the 18-yard box and blasted a shot into the top corner for her second goal of the game.
The Cardinals looked to add to their lead in the 27th minute as reserve forward Leah Johnson drew a penalty kick after being pulled down in the box. Sarah Leibel stepped forward to take the penalty kick but Wilson made a diving save to keep Akron in the game.
The Zips' momentum was short-lived as Holst struck for the third time in the 40th minute. Freshman Megan Ridley jumped out a loose ball and lofted the ball into the box. Johnson was able to flick the ball towards the back post where it found an on-running Holst who redirected in into the back of the net for the hat trick.
The Ball State defense frustrated Akron all game long as it limited the Zips to just four shots, with only two registered on frame. BSU goalkeeper Rachael Murphy recorded two saves as she notched her fifth shutout of the season.
"Our defense did a solid job today of limiting Akron's chances," Salmon said. "We had a team effort in the back and our defenders worked together to keep the opposition off target."
Akron (
The Cardinals will be back in action next weekend as they hit the road and travel to Northern Illinois. The game is set for a
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