Moik's Hat Trick Sends Soccer Past NC State
RALEIGH, N.C. – Paced by the first career hat trick from junior Natalie Moik, the Miami Hurricanes cruised to a 3-1 win over NC State Thursday night at Dail Soccer Field.
Moik scored two first-half goals to help the Hurricanes to a 2-1 advantage after 45 minutes, and tallied her third and final goal of the match just five minutes into the second period.
“I am so proud of the team,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “We played some of our best soccer but the difference was producing goals and being dangerous. This win has boosted the team’s confidence. They deserved it.”
Miami outshot NC State 12-9 on the game, and produced six corners compared to just one for the Wolfpack. Senior goalkeeper Emily Lillard made three saves in earning the victory.
The difference Thursday night was Moik, who helped Miami extend its unbeaten streak against NC State that dates back to the 2006 season.
The hat trick was the first for a Hurricane since Ashley Flinn accomplished the feat last season against Cleveland State.
“Natalie had a standout game and finally showed the reason she can be a game-changer,” Monroe said.
Not to be outdone was midfielder Erin McGovern, who was credited with assists on Moik’s pair of first-half tallies.
“I believe Natalie and Erin were the engines to the team tonight,” Monroe said. “Erin was solid in the midfield today and connected for some great assists.”
Miami wasted little time in opening the scoring, as Moik scored in the fourth minute to give the Hurricanes an early 1-0 lead. A cross whipped in by McGovern was headed by Moik past Wolfpack goalkeeper Mackenzie Stelljes.
NC State tied the game on a goal by Kayla Saager, but the Hurricanes quickly regained the advantage on Moik’s second goal of the night. Sophomore Gracie Lachowecki and McGovern both assisted on Moik’s strike, sending Miami to a 2-1 advantage by the halftime whistle.
The Hurricanes doubled their advantage just five minutes into the second period, as freshman Grace Rapp helped set up Moik’s third goal. Moik received the ball in the corner of the box, dribbled it and fired past Stelljes to the high far post for a 3-1 lead.
Lillard and a stout performance from the Miami defense kept the Wolfpack off the board the rest of the way, clinching a key ACC road victory for the Hurricanes.
“Overall, I am so proud of every player on the team,” Monroe said after the match.
Miami will play its road finale Sunday at North Carolina before returning home for Senior Day on Nov. 2. Kickoff for Sunday’s match is set for 1 p.m. from Chapel Hill.
