Soccer: Schmidt’s Hat Trick Pushes Cajuns Past Grambling State

LAFAYETTE, La. — Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns junior forward Annika Schmidt recorded a career-high three goals, propelling UL to a 5-0 shutout win over visiting Grambling State on Friday night.

The victory extended the Cajuns’ (6-2-1) unbeaten streak to six matches and marks the best start in program history.UL’s defense held Grambling State to just three shots, all coming in the second half.

Schmidt’s first goal came in the fifth minute when she received a pass from Natalie Newman and finished the scoring play from 10 feet away in the goalie box to give the Cajuns a 1-0 lead.

Nearly 22 minutes later, Schmidt intercepted a pass and scored on a breakaway from the center of field for her fourth goal of the season.

The Cajuns broke the match open in the 35th minute when Cassandra Reyes found Schmidt from 10 yards out to finish off the hat trick.

Junior Lea Raedle netted her first goal of the campaign at the 48th minute mark, beating Grambling State goalkeeper Damilola Akano on a penalty kick, allowing Louisiana to pull away, 4-0.

Newman added a goal to her statsheet in the 61st minute after scoring when the ball deflected off a Grambling State player.

Schmidt was the first Cajun to record at least three goals in a single match since Yazmin Montoya back on Oct. 18, 2013 vs. Texas State. All five of her scores this season have come in the past two matches. 

Senior goalkeeper Lindsey Stocks improved her record to 2-0-1 after playing 74:34 minutes in goal. Freshman Kristen Eddy finished off the final 15:26 minutes of action.

The Cajuns outshot the Lady Tigers, 26-3, including 15-0 in the first period.

Next up for Louisiana is a matchup with the Houston Cougars in the Lonestar State this Sunday, Sept. 20 for a 4 p.m. first kick.