Andrea Jimenez hit the hat trick as the Western Nebraska Community College women's soccer team scored five times in earning a 5-1 win over Central Wyoming College Friday at Landers Soccer Complex in Region IX conference action.
Jimenez said they played alright, especially in the second half when the team was really connecting passes.
"We learned how to connect with each other. From the beginning [of the match] we were kind of lost, but we are finding ourselves and I feel we have a shot of going to regionals even with low numbers. I have high hopes for all the girls."
The Cougars really dominated on the offensive end with 26 shots compared to just six for Central Wyoming.
Jimenez had three goals on the day and she said that they needed to finish shots, something they did in the second half.
"Coach told us we needed to start finishing those balls and that is what I did," she said.
WNCC also had balanced scoring as well as players that can take accurate shots with nine different players taking a shot on net.
"Our girls really strive to do the best that they can," Jimenez said. "We have to continue to play strong and play like it is our last game."
It didn't take WNCC long to open up the scoring as Destiny Mueller scored six minutes into the match after taking a pass form Ashley Ruiz for the 1-0 lead.
The lead didn't last long as a minute later, Central Wyoming's Darby Delgado scored to tie the match at 1-1.
The match stayed tied for awhile until Jimenez netted her first goal with 21:27 left to play in the half off an assist from Leticia Modesto to lead 2-1. That is where things stood entering halftime.
The second half was all WNCC as the Cougars netted three goals. The first of the second half game with 32:01 left to play as Jimenez had an unassisted goal that the shot found the upper 90 of the goal for the 3-1 lead.
WNCC made it 4-1 when Jackie Valenciano found the back of the net on a goal that earned highlight reel material. Mueller had a hard shot on goal that Central Wyoming goalkeeper saved, but Valenciano was right there for the rebound and booted the ball into the back of the net.
Eight minutes later, Jimenez hit the hat trick another beautiful combination. Mueller was driving to the goal with defenders on her when she looked to her side and saw Jimenez. Mueller dished the ball to Jimenez and the freshman from Denver scored for the 5-1 lead.
WNCC finished with 26 shots and had seven corner kicks.
WNCC goalkeeper Ana Von Ruden had three saves in net.
WNCC will be back in action Saturday when they host Western Wyoming Community College at the Landers Soccer Complex at 1 p.m. Because of high school matches on the competition playing field, the Cougars will play their match with Western Wyoming on the practice field nearest to 42nd street.
"We have to continue like we did in the second half," Jimenez said. "We played really strong defensively, so if we do that for both halves tomorrow [Saturday] we definitely have a win or a tie."