Steffens’ hat trick leads Pioneers over Buccaneers

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – UW-Platteville freshman Caelyn Steffens recorded not only a first college career goal, but a hat trick which led to the Pioneers' 5-3 victory over Beloit College in the first home game of the season.

The Pioneers recorded 15 shots with 10 on goal against the Buccaneers' 10 shots.  UW-Platteville scored three goals in a ten-minute span in the second half to take the lead. Steffens' hat trick along with sophomores Taylor Gamble and Amber Lueder built the 5-3 lead of the evening.

The day started with a two-goal frenzy in the first minute. Steffens scored first just 24 seconds into the game and Beloit reacted just as quickly and tied the game 1-1 within the first minute mark.

Both teams continued to press offensively through the first half and the Pioneers entered halftime down 1-2.  

UW-Platteville returned to the second half with a thrilling pace that caught Beloit by surprise.  Within ten minutes of each other, Steffens scored her second goal of the day followed by Lueder's goal assisted by Taylor Martin and Maddy Meeker, and then the hat trick by Steffens in the 57^th minute to put the Pioneers up 4-2.

Beloit was able to find the net once more before Lueder's pass to Gamble for a goal in the 88^th minute set UW-Platteville ahead 5-3 for it to remain until time expired.

The Pioneers are now 2-1 overall and will return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 12 against Alverno at 7 p.m. in Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.