Burton Collects Sixth Hat Trick In AASU's 8-0 Win Over Queens

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Armstrong Atlantic State women's soccer squad scored four goals in the first 18 minutes of action, propelling the Pirates to an 8-0 victory over Queens (N.C.) in 2009 AASU Pirate Soccer Shootout action at AT&T Field on Sunday morning. 

The Pirates (2-0) got goals from freshmen Morgan Mitchell and Kristina Pascutti in the seventh and ninth minutes, respectively, to take an early 2-0 lead. Senior Kristin Burton then got into the act with back-to-back goals in the 15th and 18th minutes, her first two goals of the season.

Junior Lianne Stricklen tallied her first goal of the season less than a minute after intermission, then Pascutti was pulled down in the box, drawing a penalty kick in the 52nd minute. Burton stepped up and buried the chance, giving the two-time PBC Player of the Year her sixth career hat trick and first since Oct. 22 of 2008 against USC Aiken. With the trio of goals, Burton now has 67 in her career, 16 shy of the all-time Peach Belt Conference record.

Sophomore Daviana Garcia added her first career goal as a Pirate in the 59th minute off of an assist from freshman Emily Cattanach. Cattanach then completed the scoring with her first goal as a Pirate in the 62nd minute.

The Pirates outshot the Royals (0-2), 31-1, including an 18-0 shot advantage in the second half. Burton finished the day with seven points, adding an assist with her three goals, while sophomore Erin Holt collected a pair of assists.

All three goalkeepers on the roster for the Pirates saw action, combining on the second straight shutout - Tracey Mitchell, Meghan Mayville and Samantha Held. Queens (N.C.) goalkeeper Kristin Kornacki made four saves, but gave up four goals in 23 minutes of action. Reserve keeper Megan Hirschy also allowed four goals, but made seven saves in 67 minutes of action.

In the second match of the day, Georgia College (2-0) used a goal from Jamie Nevin in the 8th minute to take a 1-0 lead and hold on for the one-goal victory over Florida Southern (0-2). The Mocs outshot the Bobcats, 15-7, including a 9-2 edge in the second half, but Jessica Binkowski made four saves in net for GCSU for her second straight shutout.

AASU returns to action on Friday, September 4, taking on Florida Tech in the GCSU Bobcat Classic in Milledgeville, Ga.