CANYON, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team ran away from Lone Star Conference rival West Texas A&M on Sunday thanks to a hat-trick by junior Amber Guenther (San Antonio/Johnson HS). (Bos Score)

Guenther's trio of goals led the Cardinals (3-5, 3-3) to a 4-1 victory on the road against the Lady Buffs (6-4-1, 5-2).  She got things rolling early for UIW with a goal off an assist by Katie Miller (Tyler/Home School) at 6:10.  The Cardinals did not threaten to score much of the rest of the first half although WT earned five corner kicks without converting a single one.

The Lady Buffs quickly evened the score in the second half with a goal less than three minutes into the period.  Emily Krenek served in a cross that the Cardinals could not handle and Jessie Thomas found herself with an open net at 47:54.

Miller would give the Cardinals back the lead just before the hour mark.  Sydney Solomon (Schertz/Randolph HS) served in a cross from the right side that got past the goalkeeper and Miller had open space to drive home the game-winning goal at 59:38.

Seven minutes later, Guenther gave the Cardinals some breathing room with her second goal of the afternoon.  Sarah Johnson (Austin/Home School) dribbled down the right wing and crossed in a pass that found Guenther open at the back post with no defense around.  Guenther put the ball in the net at 66:45 to make it 3-1.

The final tally of the match came on a penalty kick.  Needing just one more goal for the hat-trick, Guenther calmly deposited the ball in the back of the net for her fifth goal of the year at 88:32.

The Cardinals fired 14 shots in the game and limited the Lady Buffs to eight attempts.  However, West Texas A&M earned 10 corner kicks in the match against only three for UIW.  Guenther led all players with six shots, including five on goal.

UIW goalkeeper Heather Kowalik (Boerne/Champion HS) was only required to make one save to pick up the victory.  Her counterpart, Yvette Bedoy, was credited with five saves in the game.

The Cardinals are back in action on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at LSC rival Angelo State.
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