ABILENE, Texas – For the second day in a row, the McMurry University men's soccer team scored five times and had a player net three goals for a hat trick, knocking off Louisiana College with a 5-0 shutout at Wilford Moore Stadium on Saturday.

Following in the tracks of senior teammate Miguel Esteban Jr. from Thursday night, fellow senior Javi Mejia recorded three goals for a hat trick of his own on Saturday. His goals came in the 10th, 55th and 77th minutes of the contest.

In addition to the strong offense, freshman goalkeeper Mark Palaez played all 90 minutes and posted a season-best four saves for the first clean sheet of his career.

With the win, McMurry improved to 5-3 overall and 2-0 into conference play.

Mejia set the tone with the first of his three goals and was followed with a goal by Esteban Jr. in the 31st minute, as the War Hawks took a 2-0 lead into the half. Another senior, Jesus Gil, set up the second goal for an assist.

Mejia scored twice in the second half, with his third goal coming via penalty kick. The final score came from junior DJ Jaime, earning his first goal of the season on an assist from senior Jesus Sanchez. With Sanchez's assist, a senior accounted for all five McM points on the day.

The War Hawks outshot Louisiana College 16-11. McMurry was also able to put 12 shots on goal in a strong offensive performance.
In the all-time series, McMurry has now won five of the last six games against the Wildcats.

McMurry will be away from home the next two games, facing LeTourneau on Oct. 3 in Longview, Texas and East Texas Baptist on Oct. 5 in Marshall, Texas.