LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama freshman Nicki Gears' hat trick propels the University of West Alabama women's soccer team to 5-0 win over Tennessee Temple. The trifecta is the first in program history.

“It was nice to get on the score sheet after so many chances,” Gears said. “My teammates were able to offer me many chances and I was able to finish three.”

Gears fired off 11 shots on the night with six on goal. The Ripon, North Yorkshire, native scored her first goal in the 35th minute on an assisted from Vicky Petrova – who scored the first goal of the night in the 13th minute. The score was the first for Gears on the season.

Gears' second goal of the evening came in the 60th minute on a cross from Natalie Perry. The final goal for Gears came on a breakaway that was set up by Petrova in the 65th minute.

“We had a good talk the other night after losing two straight and we worked out some issues. We had a good practice last night,” said UWA head soccer coach Graeme Orr. “We had numerous chances tonight and made them pay off while our defense really shut them down early and set the tempo.”

Perry provided the final score of the evening with a goal in the 71st as Gears set her up with a cross from the left side.

“She (Nicki Gears) has been working hard and has been receiving great chances. It was great to see her finish tonight,” Orr said. “You could see that the first one really gave her confidence throughout the rest of the match. After she got the hat trick I was really happy to see her lay off and set up her teammate (Natalie Perry) for a goal. That is what we are working hard to do her at UWA – we are working hard for each other.”

The Tiger defense allowed just one shot on the evening as Jess Martin (3-3) recorded the lone save in 90 minutes in goal. TTU keeper Jess Salera (0-2) tallied seven saves on the evening.

West Alabama returns to action on Wednesday, Sept. 21 as the Tigers open conference play against Alabama-Huntsville. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.