MOBILE, Ala. ? South Alabama freshman forward Brandi Smith scored a hat trick against Nicholls State Friday night at “The Cage” to lead the Jags to a 3-1 win.

Smith scored her first goal at the six minute mark of the first half off of an assist from Tiara Smith. At the 19:46 mark of the first half, Smith earned her second goal of the match on an assist by Anna Ellingsen.

Nicholls State (2-1) answered in the closing minute of the first half when Allison Mylius scored from 40 yards out at the 44:45 mark to cut the USA lead to 2-1 at halftime.

Smith completed the hat trick at the 89:26 mark of the second half on a goal from the close right wing off an assist from Kristin Sutton.

The Jags attempted 26 shots in the contest, while the Colonels attempted four. USA goalkeeper Kelsie Langford did not record a save in the match, leaving her three saves shy of the program’s all-time career record.

Nicholls State goalkeeper Molly Mersereau turned back 16 South Alabama shots in the match. The Jags attempted 19 shots on goal, while Nicholls State attempted only one. With the win, USA improves its record to 1-2 on the season.

The Jags’ next scheduled game is Sept. 5 against Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).