Claire Niedermeier's hat trick powered the University of North Texas to a 4-2 win over McNeese State on a balmy afternoon in Lake Charles, Louisiana, marking the first time a Mean Green player has recorded multiple career hat tricks since Rachel Holden in 2016.
Early Momentum
The opening goal arrived in the 16th minute when a cross from Mya Mitchell was misplayed by the opposing goalkeeper, allowing Niedermeier to tap the ball into the net and give the Mean Green an early lead.
Eight minutes later, a long pass from Lily Cunningham found Niedermeier again, and she slotted the ball to extend the advantage to 2-0 before the half‑hour mark.
Response from the Cowgirls
McNeese State answered with a goal from Rydlii Rives in the 44th minute and a penalty conversion in the 48th, but the Mean Green's defense, anchored by Sarah Margaret Seabrook's five saves, kept the opposition at bay.
The team outshot their opponents 24‑13, with 14 of those attempts on goal, underscoring the offensive pressure that defined the match.
Niedermeier completed her hat trick in the 64th minute, finishing a set‑piece routine orchestrated by Mia Bernard that sealed the 4-2 result.
Looking ahead, UNT will host Oral Roberts on Thursday at Norma Knobel Hunt Stadium for Youth Night, continuing a schedule that has already seen the squad travel to Denton and now set for another showdown in the Lone Star State.