ABILENE, Texas – Behind a brilliant performance by sophomore forward Santiago Nunez, McMurry University Men's Soccer earned an 4-3 overtime win against American Southwest Conference foe East Texas Baptist Friday night inside Wilford Moore Stadium.

In what proved to be an even pairing throughout, McMurry (3-6, 1-1 ASC) went to overtime for the first time this season and finished with a win. Nunez propelled the McMurry offense with his first career hat trick, scoring three goals in regulation. ETBU (1-6-2, 0-2-1) had an answer each time Nunez scored, keeping the game level through 90 minutes. 

In the end, McMurry would snatch the victory off a breakaway goal by Griffin Gayler in the 98th minute, set up by a deep kick in the defensive third by Dylan Caudle. Caudle's kick hit off the head of Nunez near midfield, leading Gayler toward the goal past a trio of defenders. Gayler sped past the back line and deeked the goalkeeper, flicking it over his head for the golden goal.

Prior to today's hat trick, Nunez had just three career goals. He capped his first multi-goal game with an assist for seven total points - a career high. 

His scoring run began early in the fifth minute of play, but shortly after, ETBU would tally its first score in the seventh minute. The score remained through the first half. Looking to reclaim the lead, the War Hawks entered the second half more aggressive. A cross from Gayler in the 58th minute would find Nunez on the receiving end for Nunez's second goal on the night. Once again, the Tigers answered within moments with a score in the 66th.

With two in his pocket already, Nunez saw an opportunity to record his first hat trick of his career - and a potential game-winner. Off a cross from Danny Chavez, Nunez would find the back of the net once more in the 79th minute, lifting McMurry to a 3-2 lead over ETBU.

With the game creeping to an end, the Tigers would push for extra play as they leveled the score in the 89th minute to force overtime.

With just two minutes remaining in the first overtime, Caudle, Nunez and Gayler connected for the photo finish goal and the War Hawk win.

McMurry finished with 15 shots on the day with eight on goal, while ETBU posted 11 and eight, respectively.

Nunez led the War Hawk roster with four shots, while Gayler and Andres Martinez both registered three. Four other War Hawks recorded a shot.

Goalkeeper Orion Patterson went the distance for McMurry, recording five saves and the win in 98 minutes of play.

The War Hawks return to action on Sunday, Oct. 3 as they host LeTourneau (3-6, 0-3 ASC) at 3:30 p.m.