MERCED, Calif. - Junior Emily Burnett registered her first career hat-trick and inched closer to program history Sunday afternoon while anchoring the University of California, Merced women's soccer team to a 6-0 victory over Sierra Nevada College.
Burnett, who scored the game-winning goal in the eleventh minute, is now five points away from breaking the program's all-time points record. She is also four goals and four assists away from breaking two more program records.
Sunday afternoon's contest marked the halfway point of the 2019 California Pacific Conference slate and the Bobcats win currently has them sitting in a postseason spot. Three of the Bobcats final five conference games are on Bobcat Field.
Between the posts for UC Merced was Ally Lozano and the junior had to make three stops to earn her fourth shutout of the season and ninth of her career. Overall, the 6-0 win was the Bobcats sixth shutout of 2019.
Burnett's game-winner was the lone goal in the first half and it came off an assist from Opal Ward. Ward fired a shot that was batted down by the Eagles keeper and Burnett was in position immediately after to put the rebound in the back of the net. Ward nearly beat Burnett to the game-winner as she had three shots in the games first nine minutes.
Freshmen Kaylee Melendez, Isabella Spiva and Jocelyne Garcia added shots on frame in the first half. Garcia's attempt in the 32nd minute was the best look out of the three, however Ashley Baker made a tremendous kick save on the set piece to keep the Bobcats from doubling the lead.
Jenn Salinger ended up being the one to double the lead and did so just three minutes into the second half from 15 yards out off an assist from Sabrina Barata and Joc. Garcia. Salinger's goal was her second of the year, while the assists were both firsts of the season. Sunday also marked Barata's 2019 debut.
Salinger tallied her first multi-goal game of the year 16 minutes later and made it 3-0 with a leaping effort on a pass sent in the box by Joc. Garcia. Baker got a hand on Salinger's header before it rolled beyond the line for a score.
Burnett extended the lead to 4-0 with a goal in the 76th minute. Miranda Alvear set up the sprinting Burnett up with a stellar cross from the center line for her first assist of the season.
The hat-trick was completed less than two minutes later. After a touch each from Salinger and Kyndra Kiser, Burnett had a clean look from 20 yards out and buried one into the upper right corner of the net.
Salinger and Kiser each earned their first assist of the season on Burnett's goal.
Salinger's five-point game was the fifth of her career.
The Bobcats tied their 2019 single-game high with a goal from Miranda Thomas in the 84th minute. The senior intercepted a Baker goal kick and after a dribble, smashed a shot with her right foot that resulted in her first goal of the season.
Overall, the Bobcats outshot Sierra Nevada 34-5, 19-3 on goal. Burnett and Spiva shared match-high with five shots each.
Other notables include Yaretzi Ramirez earning her first career start and Jessica Garcia making her 2019 debut.
Up next, UC Merced hosts La Sierra University during Homecoming Weekend on Friday, October 18. First touch on Bobcat Field is scheduled for 3:30pm.
