Ruetten's Hat Trick Highlights Big Day on Offense

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – Sierra Ruetten recorded a hat trick and Ryelyn Wells notched two more goals as the duo propelled women's soccer to a 6-1 win against the Koalas of Columbia (S.C.) Saturday afternoon at home.

The aforementioned duo took center stage following a match-opening goal from Lidia Herrera at 5:51, which was assisted by Wells, and sent the Eagles into a scoring frenzy.

"I'm very proud of what our team accomplished today," head coach Andy Kaplan said. "We are entering the toughest part of our schedule, and Columbia was a half-game out of first place. Our team is beginning to realize our attacking potential. It's great to see multiple players demonstrate the ability to score goals.

We are still a work in progress, but we are getting close."

Reinhardt (9-2, 9-0 Appalachian Athletic Conference) would then jump ahead, 4-0, after back-to-back scores from Wells and then a netted shot from Ruetten (assisted by Wells) at 28:20 in the opening period.

The Koalas would get on the board early in the second half at 53:00, but watched as their hole got back to four goals – and then upped to five – after Ruetten claimed two more tallies in just over 20 minutes of action.

The Eagles blanked the opposition in corner kicks, 11-0, and held a 16-5 advantage in attempts.

Caroline Johnson played only the first half and made one save, while Sarah Bambrick was in four 45 minutes and allowed just the one goal.

An afternoon matchup with Columbia International (S.C.) is up next on Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. in Waleska. 

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For more information on Reinhardt Women's Soccer, please click here.