The Pratt Community College Women's soccer team took their first conference victory over Northwestern Kansas Technical College at home in Pratt, Kan. The Beavers scored a season high of four goals to take the win. Pratt defeated Northwest Technical with a final score of 4-3.

Pratt began to take the upper-hand in the match early on. Both of PCC's goals in the first half were netted by freshman forward Quemberli Merida. Merida received a cross in the box that deflected off a defender. Merida used this opportunity to put up the first score of the game in the thirty-second minute of the first half. Shortly after the opposing team kicked off again Merida received a ball up-top from sophomore forward Avery Villines. Merida outpaced her defenders to gain a one-on-one opportunity with the goal keeper and score her second goal within minutes of the first.

The Beavers offensive spree continued as they were able to score twice in the second half as well. The Beavers started the second half tied 2-2.

Momentum shifted for the blue and white shortly after the half kicked off when Midfielder Isabella Battaglia sent a ball through to Merida for a strike that scored again. Merida posted her third goal of the game for a hat-trick within the first three minutes of the second period. Merida currently leads the Beavers on the season with four goals.

"I work hard in practice every day to show it off on the field, but I couldn't do it all by myself or without the help of my teammates and coach. I'm very excited as this is my first career hat-trick," said Merida.

Battaglia not only assisted her teammate during the ninety minutes of play, but found a way to score a goal of her own. The Australian native scored what ended up being the game-winning goal for Pratt. After receiving a corner kick Battaglia played the ball off to Villines who then assisted her teammate. Battaglia took a strike from outside the 18-yard box that struck the top right corner of the goal. The goal was the first of the season for Battaglia.

"I am very pleased with the work ethic the girls showed. It was a must win game, and they delivered," said head coach Ashley Burnett. "I am very happy for Quemberli who got her first career hat-trick. The freshman class are really stepping up their game."

PCC women's soccer returns to the Beaver pitch on Sep. 22. The Beavers will face Hutchinson Community College at 3 p.m.