CANYON, Texas - Junior forward Gabby Thompson posted a first-half hat trick as the UT Dallas women's soccer team defeated West Texas A&M 3-1 at The Pitch Saturday afternoon.

The hat trick was the 46th in school history. Thompson recorded a natural hat trick over 23:24 - the ninth fastest at UTD.

With the win, the Comets move to 11-2-2 on the season and 7-2-1 in Lone Star Conference play. They are in third place with three matches remaining.

First Half Highlights
- Thompson opened the scoring for UTD with a goal assisted by Maya Walker at 8:06, poking the ball in after hurdling the keeper.
- Thompson doubled the lead with an unassisted goal at 17:44 after a corner kick
- Thompson completed her hat trick, assisted by Chelsea Vilca, at 31:30, pushing the visitors' advantage to 3-0.
- The Lady Buffs (6-7-2, 3-7-1 LSC) responded with a penalty kick goal by Adjeley Kpobi at 33:10.

Second Half Highlights
- WT's Mollie Ferro had an early attempt at goal in the 48th minute, but her shot went wide of the top right.
- In the 55th minute, Sarah Hernandez Lopez's shot was on target, but UTD's McKenzie Hunninghake made a crucial save to keep the score unchanged.
- The Comets generated a series of opportunities between the 73rd and 78th minutes, with Chelsea Vilca, Aubree Wilson, and Grace Pritchard all challenging the Lady Buffs' Sydney Nanz, who made three consecutive saves to deny the visitors.

Stats Breakdown
The Comets outshot the Lady Buffs 11-9 overall and 7-2 on goal. UTD led 2-1 in corner kicks and WT committed more fouls, 12-7.

UT Dallas Performances 
Gabby Thompson - hat trick on 6 shots, 4 on goal. Team-leading 12 goals this season and 4th game-winner.
Chelsea Vilca - 5th assist of the season, tied for team lead.
Maya Walker - 1st assist of the year

West Texas A&M Performances
Sydney Nanz - 4 saves
Lawrencia Yeboah - 3 shots
Adjeley Kpobi - goal on penalty kick

Up Next
UTD will battle Angelo State in San Angelo, Texas on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.