Box Score I
Video Highlights I
Photo Gallery
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Sophomore Kaila Cameli notched a hat trick with her first three career goals as the Portland Pilots rolled to a 7-4 win over the Saint Mary’s Gaels in a West Coast Conference match played in front of 4,594 fans at Merlo Field on a picture-perfect Sunday afternoon. Cameli, who was one of four sophomores to score for the Pilots, also added an assist.
It’s the first hat trick recorded by a Pilot since sophomore Amanda Frisbie found the back of the net three times during a 9-0 win over UT-San Antonio in the first round of the NCAA playoffs last season.
Sunday’s onslaught began with a goal for Portland (6-7-1, 1-2-0 WCC), which was scored by senior Danielle Foxhoven in the 17th minute. Foxhoven took a feed from sophomore Micaela Capelle before finishing with her team-high sixth goal of the season.
After the Gaels notched the equalizer in the 25th minute, Capelle found the back of the net just two minutes later. This time freshman Lorielle McCluskie sent a powerful header towards the frame off of a UP corner kick. SMC (9-5-2, 0-3-1 WCC) keeper Kate Brenot made the save, but Capelle was there to plant the rebound into the top of the net to give the Pilots a 2-1 lead in the 27th minute.
The Pilots then erupted in the second half with six straight goals to put the game out of reach. Sophomore Ellen Parker scored the first goal three minutes in on a nice feed from Cameli from the left end line. Cameli then notched her first career goal three minutes later.
After sophomore Michelle Cruz made it a 5-1 Portland lead with her first goal of the season, Cameli added two more scores to hand the Pilots a commanding 7-1 lead with 20 minutes remaining.
The Gaels were able to score three times during the match’s final five minutes, with the final goal coming on a penalty kick by Daelyn Paul with just five seconds showing on the clock.
Capelle finished with three assists on the day to go along with her goal, while McCluskie, Parker and Frisbie each registered an assist.
The Gaels, who claimed an 18-14 advantage in total shots, had an apparent goal waved off at the end of the first half due to an offsides call. UP sophomore goalkeeper Erin Dees also denied the Gaels with a diving save on a PK from Jordan Marada in the 58th minute.
Dees replaced senior Hailee DeYoung in the Portland net at half, with the two keepers combining for four saves. Brenot finished with seven stops for the Gaels.
The Pilots next host the Santa Clara Broncos for a WCC match on Friday night at Merlo Field. The game will be broadcast live nationally on ESPNU, with kick-off set for 8 p.m.
