Box Score

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - Sophomore Kayla Picanco netted her first career hat-trick to lead the Niagara women's soccer team (3-7-0; 1-0-0 MAAC) to a 4-2 victory over the host Saint Peter's Peahens (1-8-1, 0-1-0 MAAC) on Friday afternoon.

Picanco willed the Purple Eagles to victory with the team's first hat-trick since Stephanie Gartley netted three against Albany at Niagara Field on Sept. 12, 2008.

With one goal already on the day and the game tied at two in the second half, the sophomore from Toronto would give Niagara the boost it needed. Picanco would score in the 79th minute on a rocket of a ball from 15 yards away, before icing the game with seconds to spare, on a cross from Catherine Meyer.

"We are extremely happy to leave with the victory," head coach Peter Veltri said. "Every MAAC game is so important, so when you can get a win on the road you're always happy.  I thought the difference today was that we did a good job of finishing the opportunities that we created."

Picanco opened scoring in the 10th minute, blasting a shot from 15 yards away for a 1-0 score. Breanna Catipovic would head in Niagara's second goal of the game in the 18th minute, giving the Purple Eagles a comfy two-goal lead.

Saint Peter's would come alive in the second half, netting two goals in a 15-minute span to tie the game at two. Niagara allowed an own goal in the 53rd minute and then Amanda Feldstein would tie the game in the 68th minute.

Niagara is now 9-1-0 against Saint Peter's in its last 10 meetings.

The Purple Eagles are back in action on Sunday, when they visit the Manhattan Jaspers at 10 a.m.