LEXINGTON, Va. – UNCG women’s soccer (6-2-1) handed VMI (6-1-1) its first loss, 4-0, of the season in the Southern Conference opener for both teams Friday evening at Patchin Field. Cienna Rideout led the way for the Spartans with her second collegiate hat trick.

"I thought we played well today," said head coach Michael Coll. "We started off a bit slow but still managed two goals in the first half. The second half was much different. We were much more precise, and that was our big focus at halftime. VMI is a good team having a tremendous season, so we knew this was going to be a tough game. We came out with three points and are very happy about it."

Rideout scored the game-winner 15 minutes in. Emily Jensen sent a lead pass over midfield, and Rideout dribbled the ball just inside the right side of the box and shot it into the left side of the net.

Heida Ragney Vidarsdottir recorded her first goal of the year at the 37-minute mark. Off a high ball cross from Kaley Tucker, Vidarsdottir shot the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.

Rideout’s second goal came in the 57th minute. Grace Kennedy fed Rideout just past midfield, and Rideout buried a shot into the top left corner of the net.

The final goal for Rideout, a team-leading seventh of the season, was put in the net in the 77th minute. Off a scramble, Caroline Fiorella kicked the ball over the goalkeeper, and Rideout headed it in right at the line.

"All three goals by Cienna were different," said Coll. "She's a goal-scorer, that kid just has such a nose for goals. If teams give her a chance or if they aren't aware of where she's at, she's going to make them pay for it."

UNCG finished with a 17-10 shots advantage and placed 13 shots on goal.

Aiyanah Tyler-Cooper (6-2-1) made five saves. Anna Bryant relieved Tyler-Cooper for the last 12 minutes as the two combined for the Spartans’ fourth shutout.

UNCG returns to action at the Citadel next Friday at 3:00 p.m.

-- UNCG –