Box Score FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Velepec's Hat Trick Leads Field Hockey Past Newberry 5-3

NEWBERRY, S.C. – Senior Brianna Velepec scored the first three goals of the game to lead visiting Mansfield to a 5-3 victory over Newberry (S.C.) Saturday night in non-conference field hockey action.

Velepec didn't waste any time picking up her first career hat trick, scoring back-to-back goals in the ninth and 10^th minutes before adding the third in the 14^th minute.

Velepec scored the first on a rebounded ball after Tiffany Fenton's shot hit the post. Her second was assisted by Fenton with the third coming off a pass from Lacey Croasdale.

Mansfield jumped out to a 4-0 lead when senior Taryn Schawillie scored her team-leading 13^th goal of the season in the 19^th minute on a hard-hit pass from Croasdale. Sophomore Courtney Wilson scored the Mountie's fifth goal of the game unassisted in the 25^th minute.

Newberry got on the board in the second half on a Kaitlyn Willard goal in the 52^nd minute. A successful penalty stroke attempt in the 61^st minute and a breakaway goal in the 63^rd minute, both by Caitlyn Warren, cut Mansfield's lead to 5-3.

The Mountaineer's first half advantage was too much as Mansfield held on for the road victory.

Mansfield held a 24-15 shot advantage in the game while Newberry led corners 7-3.

Laura Lawson made six saves in her first career start in goal to earn the win.

Fenton led Mansfield in total shots with six with three going on goal.

The Mountaineers travel to No. 9 Limestone for their season finale tomorrow.