KOKOMO, Ind. — Freshman Kaitlyn Swartzendruber recorded her second career hat trick Saturday evening as the IU Kokomo women's soccer team erupted for five first-half goals en route to a commanding 6-2 victory over Kentucky Christian University at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.
The Cougars dominated scoring opportunities throughout the match, outshooting the Knights 34-9, including a 20-6 advantage in shots on goal. Swartzendruber led the offensive charge with three goals and an assist, while Kaiya Money and Laila Stuckey also found the back of the net.
First Half
- IU Kokomo wasted little time establishing control, generating several early scoring opportunities before breaking through in the ninth minute. Following a shot from Hannah Hermansen, the Cougars benefited from a Kentucky Christian own goal to take a 1-0 lead.
- Less than three minutes later, Swartzendruber connected with Money for a goal in the 12th minute, doubling the advantage to 2-0.
- The Cougars continued to apply pressure before Swartzendruber took over late in the opening half. In the 32nd minute, Gia Tumber found the freshman in front of the net, where she redirected the ball into the upper-left corner to extend the lead to 3-0.
- Just over a minute later, Swartzendruber struck again, this time using her left foot to find the back of the net and push the advantage to 4-0.
- Stuckey capped the impressive opening 45 minutes with a goal in the 41st minute, sending IU Kokomo into halftime with a commanding 5-0 advantage.
- The Cougars held Kentucky Christian without a shot in the first half while registering 16 attempts of their own.
Second Half
- IU Kokomo picked up where it left off after halftime, continuing to generate scoring opportunities against the Knights.
- Swartzendruber completed her second career hat trick in the 58th minute, finishing a chance set up by Madison Balf to extend the Cougar advantage to 6-0.
- Kentucky Christian eventually got on the scoreboard in the 85th minute when Jayda Lyons converted a penalty kick. Aubrey Logan added a second goal for the Knights in the 89th minute, but the Cougars' early offensive outburst had already put the contest well out of reach.
- IU Kokomo finished with 18 second-half shots, bringing its match total to 34, while goalkeeper Liz Godfrey played all 90 minutes and made four saves to earn the victory.
Top Performers
The Cougars return to River States Conference action this Thursday when they travel to Midway University for a 5:00 PM matchup against the Eagles.
For the latest news, updates and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, X and Instagram.
