HATTIESBURG, Miss. – University of South Alabama sophomore Ashlynn Jones (Pickerington, Ohio) recorded her first career hat trick to lead the women's soccer team to a 4-0 victory at Southern Miss Sunday afternoon.

The Jaguars complete their non-conference schedule with a 6-2-1 record; the Golden Eagles drop to 2-4-3.

"I was very pleased with how we played today," USA head coach Graham Winkworth said. "I was a bit nervous going in because Southern Mississippi is a local rival, and the last time we came here it was a very close game that went to overtime. I felt that an early goal was very important for us and we were fortunate that we worked hard and were able to create one. That really helped settle us down quickly."

South Alabama recorded 21 shots and put 11 of those on goal, compared to six and one for Southern Miss. Jones scored on all three shots, while sophomore Rio Hardy (Workington, England) had four attempts with three hitting the target.

"I'm happy with creating chances and I like to have at least a 50 percent shot-on-goal ratio," Winkworth said. "With 21 shots and 11 on target, it means we were working their goalkeeper. I was happy offensively and pleased for Ashlynn that she managed to get herself a hat-trick."

Jones wasted little time finding the net, converting a pass from sophomore Chardé Hannah (Tupelo, Miss.) at the 2:57 mark, then put the Jags up 2-0 just over 30 minutes later on a penalty kick.

The hat trick was completed in the 62nd minute thanks to an assist from freshman Jemma Purfield (Cottingham, England).

"She played very well," Winkworth said. "Her movement off the ball is improving all the time and she's finding more gaps. The first goal was good work from Chardé down the right and she put in a nice cross. Even though it was headed in, it was pretty much a tap-in for Ashlynn. It was a nice, well-worked goal. On the second one, she created the penalty with some excellent ball work. She was composed and it was a good finish.

"The third one was a wonderful team goal. There were some excellent passes and Jemma put her in. Ashlynn still had plenty of work to do, and again, put a nice, composed finish in to the far post."

Sophomore Danielle Henley (Hattiesburg, Miss.) completed the scoring almost a minute later at 63:05 for her second goal of the season.

USA sophomore Courtney Baum (Cumming, Ga.) stopped the only shot on target for her second shutout of the season and lowered her goals against average to 0.75.

"We're focused on defending as a team, from center forwards to goalkeeper, and today we did that," Winkworth said. "It's not easy to do when you're doing it in 90-degree weather. I was proud of the way we defended. Today one of the things we did to help us defensively was keep possession of the ball. If we have possession, then it's very difficult for our opponents to score.

"We did well looking after the ball against a team that also likes to possess the ball. I was happy that we managed to maintain possession because that's the best way of defending."

The Jaguars start Sun Belt Conference play Friday at in-state rival Troy. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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

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