RICHARDSON, Texas - UT Dallas freshman forward Ben Paranidharan recorded a hat trick, leading the Comet men's soccer team to a 5-0 victory over Sul Ross State at UTD Soccer Field Saturday evening.

Paranidharan scored the first three goals of the game over a span of 4:39 late in the first period. The hat trick was the 23rd in school history as well as the fastest of the natural variety (three consecutive goals). His goals were assisted by Luke Harris, Kaleem Shabout and Harris and Cole Morgan, respectively.

Kane Kidwell tacked on another goal in the 49th minute on sharp passes from Hamza Syed and Riley O'Donnell. Leo Castro blasted home the final score of the game in the 75th.

The Comets (5-3-2) outshot the Lobos (0-6-2) 23-7 overall and 9-4 on goal. UTD led in corner kick chances 4-0, while SRSU had more fouls, 9-7.

UT Dallas Notes
- The Comets improve to 5-0-1 all-time against the Lobos with all six matches being a shutout.
- Paranidharan moves his season goal total to four on the year. His hat trick was the first for the Comets since 2019.
- Harris records the his first two assists as a Comet and is the first player to have a pair of helpers this season.
- Kidwell's goal was his second of the year and 12th of his tenure.
- Catstro netted the first goal of his career.
- Shabout had an assist for the second consecutive game.
- Morgan posted his first assist of the year, while O'Donnell came up with his third.
- Michael Hesse had four saves in goal for his fourth straight shutout.

Sul Ross State Notes
- Jesus Grajeda had four saves in goal.
- Marco Rey led the Lobos with three shots, two on goal.
- Julio Hinojos and Joseph Garza also took a shot on goal each.
- Andrew Magana and Jair Moreno played all 90 minutes.

Up Next
The Comets will face Ozarks in a conference contest on Saturday, Ocotber 7 at UTD Soccer Field, beginning at 7:30 p.m.