BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Sophomore forward Gabby Stelzmiller netted her first career hat trick to lead the Moravian College women's soccer team a 3-1 non-conference win over King's College Wednesday evening on John Makuvek Field as Greyhounds' Head Coach Jeff Ykoruk his 100th career victory as a collegiate head coach.
"I was very proud of the way our players approached today's game," commented Ykoruk. "We had been off for 10 days and at times too long of a break can work against your rhythm of play.
"I challenged Gabby prior to the game to step up and be assertive and she responded with a hat trick," Ykoruk continued. "She is a very hard worker and I was happy to see her get rewarded for it. Our three senior captains also played a big role in today's win. They are starting to see what little time they have left and set a high standard for the team prior and during the match."
Moravian, which has playing for the first time since September 24, evened its record at 4-4-1 on the year. Ykoruk, who is in his third year leading the Greyhounds, has a career mark of 100-86-20 in 13 seasons as a collegiate coach. Ykoruk earned the last 15 of his wins at Moravian after 10 seasons as the women's head coach at Ursinus College.
"I can't thank my current and past players enough for allowing me to reach this accomplishment," Ykoruk said on his milestone win. "Without them none of this is possible. I have been fortunate to have coached such amazing individuals that have brought such great joy to my job. Also, I want to thank all my assistant coaches and administrators that have supported me as a head coach all these years."
Stelzmiller got Moravian on the scoreboard first in the 21st minute when she hooked a corner kick in around the near post for her third goal of the season. Stelzmiller would give the Greyhounds a 2-0 lead in the 37th minute as she tapped in a free kick from junior defender Lauren Bertucci just inside the right post.
The Monarchs would get on the scoreboard just 1:04 later as the teams headed to the intermission with Moravian leading, 2-1.
Stelzmiller finished her hat trick, the first by a Greyhound in two seasons, in the 79th minute when she knocked in a crossing pass from senior forward Valentina Margiottiello from eight yards out on a short free kick from the right side just outside the 18-yard box.
Moravian had a 17-5 advantage in shots and an 8-1 edge in corner kicks in the match. Junior Jessica Lawton played the entire match in the goal for the Greyhounds to earn her third win of the season.
The Hounds are scheduled to return to action on Saturday, October 8 in a Landmark Conference match at Goucher College beginning at 1:00 p.m.
