Essen’s hat trick leads women’s soccer team to 3-0 shutout win over Greenville

GREENVILLE, Ill. – Senior Emma Essen netted a hat trick to lead the Olivet College women's soccer team to a 3-0 shutout victory over Greenville (Ill.) University in its season-opener this afternoon at Francis Field in Greenville, Illinois.

Final Score: Olivet 3, Greenville 0
Location: Francis Field; Greenville, Ill.
Records: Greenville 1-1 overall, Olivet 1-0 overall

• Essen scored her first goal in the 10th minute. The score remained 1-0 at halftime.
• Essen extended Olivet's lead to 2-0 just two minutes and 44 seconds into the second half. Sophomore Samantha Torres was credited with an assist on the goal.
• Six minutes and five seconds later, Essen completed the hat trick with her third goal. Torres earned her second assist of the game.

• Olivet finished the game with 10 total shots, including three each for Essen and Torres.
• Senior Kaitlin Irish recorded two shots.
• Sophomore Samantha Gifford played the first 84 minutes and 17 seconds in goal, and collected one save.
• Freshman Mekenzie Lamb finished the game in net.

• Three different players had one shot apiece.
• Marjory Coates allowed all three goals and made three saves.

• Today's game marked the debut for Doug Carter as the Comets' head coach.
• This game was the first-ever meeting against the Panthers in school history.
• The hat trick was second of Essen's career at Olivet. The other one was Oct. 14, 2017, at Saint Mary's (Ind.) College.
• The Comets have now won six straight season-opening contests.

• Olivet returns to the field next Wednesday, Sept 5, when it travels to play Manchester (Ind.) University. Game time is 4 p.m.