ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- Capri Clark recorded her first collegiate hat trick as the Methodist women's soccer team claimed a 3-1 victory against N.C. Wesleyan on Tuesday afternoon.
 
With the win, the Monarchs improve to 3-7-0 overall with a 2-1-0 mark in USA South play. Meanwhile, the Battling Bishops fall to 1-7-1 on the year, including a 1-1-0 record in the league action.
 
Clark's first goal of the day came at the 37:50 mark when she one-timed a cross from Camryn Amaker to give MU a 1-0 lead. NCWC recorded nine shots in the first half, but only two on target as the Monarchs held a 1-0 lead at halftime.
 
Early in the second half, Clark scored again after heading in a pass from Amanda Brust who played a cross into the box in the 53rd minute, 2-0. NCWC cut the deficit to one when Cydney Nichols netted a goal off a header from a cross sent into the box by Madeline Williams at the 61:46 mark, 2-1. Clark put the game away with her third goal of the afternoon after scoring on a free kick from Liz Rougcher, 3-1.
 
Goalkeeper Emily Benton made four saves in all 90 minutes, while Ashley Major pushed away five shots in goal.
 
MU outshot NCWC, 16-13, while each team registered two corner kicks. The teams combined for 29 fouls as the Bishops picked up three yellow cards.
 
Methodist returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 7, against Averett at the Monarch Soccerplex beginning at 6 pm.