IRWINDALE, Calif. - University of California, Merced (3-0) women's soccer senior Emily Burnett recorded her second career hat-trick and became the program's all-time leading goal scorer in the Bobcats 7-1 win Thursday morning on the road against Providence Christian College.
Burnett, who entered the day tied with Claudia Diaz and Jenn Salinger atop the record book with 31 goals, now has 34 career goals.
Burnett also recorded two assists on the day to bring her career total to 16. The senior is now tied with three other Bobcats atop the record book in that statistical category.
Burnett's first goal came in the 4th minute after recovering possession from a Seabeggar defender and it stood as the game-winning goal.
She was able to get behind the defense for her second (13') and third (46') goals to complete the hat-trick. Burnett is now the fourth player in program history with multiple hat-tricks. Burnett joins Diaz, Salinger and Isabella Spiva.
Jocelyne Garcia, Madison Whitney and Kyndra Kiser earned assists on Burnett's goals.
Three other Bobcats scored on Thursday morning, including Joc. Garcia for the third straight game. Garcia was responsible for the Bobcats first goal, finding herself in a great position for a rebound in the game's third minute.
After Garcia's goal and Burnett's first two scores, D Covarrubias extended the Bobcats lead to 4-0 with a left-footed one-timer from roughly ten yards out. Maddie Door started the sequence with a cross to earn an assist. Burnett also earned an assist on the score with a backheel pass.
The Bobcats held a 4-0 lead at halftime and outshot Providence 13-1 in the first 45 minutes.
Burnett's goal to complete her hat-trick in the second half was followed by Providence's lone goal. The score came off a set piece and it was the Seabeggars Alyssa Acuna to record the goal.
In the 76th minute, Kimberly Garcia used her speed to score her first goal of the season to get the Bobcats lead back to five goals at 6-1. Madison Whitney earned the assist on the goal.
D Covarrubias finalized the scoring approximately five minutes later when she chipped one over the leaping goalkeeper for her second goal of the day. Covarrubias is now tied with Bridget Villanueva for eighth in program history with 16 career goals.
Overall, the Bobcats outshot Providence 25-4 and allowed just one shot on goal. The Bobcats also took five corner kicks, while the host failed to get a corner opportunity.
Burnett led all players with eight shots and all eight were on target, a career-high. Garcia got off four shots.
Ally Lozano started in goal for the Bobcats and didn't have to make a save in her 45 minutes of action. Veronica Vasquez played the final 45 minutes in net for the third straight game.
Clarissa Picasso made her collegiate debut in the 7-1 win.
Looking ahead, the Bobcats visit University of Antelope Valley on Saturday, March 20. First touch from the Lancaster National Soccer Center is scheduled for 12:00pm.
