Jerinic Records Hat Trick as Bulldogs and Coach McLellan Secure First Win of Season

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Union Commonwealth University's women's soccer team (1-10-0, 1-6-0 AAC) defeated Spartanburg Methodist (3-5-4, 1-4-3 AAC) 3-2 on Wednesday at Nash Soccer Field.

The win marked the Bulldogs' first conference victory of the season and Coach Casey McLellan's first career win as head coach.

FIRST HALF: UNION COMMONWEALTH 1, SPARTANBURG METHODIST 2

Union jumped out to an early lead in the sixth minute when Nomie Jerinic scored her first goal of the season, assisted by Dionte Delpeche and Lupita Jimenez. 

Spartanburg responded three minutes later as Valentina Garzon netted a solo goal to tie the match. The first half ended with SMC taking the lead in the 44th minute on a penalty kick by Sierra Gies.

The Bulldogs finished the half with seven shots, while goalkeeper Chiara Isanto recorded six saves.

SECOND HALF: UNION COMMONWEALTH 3, SPARTANBURG METHODIST 2

In the second half, Jerinic scored her second goal in the 74th minute to tie the match, then delivered the game-winning strike in the 82nd minute, assisted by Mikayla McKenzie. Jerinic now leads the Bulldogs in scoring with three goals.

Union outshot SMC 20-14, with nine from Jerinic, three from Kimel Robertson, two each from Delpeche, Beth Craig, and Jimenez, and one each from Alexis Schweitzer and McKenzie. Goalkeeper Isanto recorded eight saves.

UP NEXT:

The Bulldogs will play at home against Bryan on Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 5:00 p.m. at Williamson Stadium.