Kuni’s Hat Trick Leads #9 Spartans to Victory

Columbus, Ga. - Sophomore Shelby Kuni recorded her second career hat trick, and first of the 2006 campaign, while leading the ninth-ranked University of Tampa women's soccer team past Newberry in the final game of the Columbus State Invitational. The 4-0 victory now gives the Spartans a 3-0 overall record.

Freshman Jocelyn Charette scored the first of three first-half Tampa goals, striking at 10:40 from Samantha Robinson. Kuni then added two goals in the first half as the first was assisted by Charette at 15:03 followed by her second goal at 18:41 from Robinson and Courtney Evans. Kuni found the net for the third time in the second half at 51:43. Nicole Murphy was credited with an assist on the final goal.

Goalkeeper Shannon Aitken recorded her second shutout in as many games as the Tampa all-time leader in career shutouts recorded her 17th career shutout. Aitken finished with one save as the Tampa defense held Newberry to just two shots, compared to 17 by the Spartans.

Tampa travels to Austin, Texas for its next two games as it will play in the St. Edwards Tournament. The first game will be played on Friday at 2:00 pm against St. Edwards.