FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State's Mackenzie Gillispie recorded a hat-trick to lead the Fairmont State women's soccer team to a 4-1 win over Wheeling University on Wednesday evening at Duvall-Rosier Field.
 
Gillispie, a freshman from Given, W.Va., scored the first three goals of the game for the Falcons, before adding an assist on the Falcon's final goal in the 86^th minute.
 
Wheeling took a 1-0 lead in the game after a successful PK attempt by Micah Miller just 1:18 into the game. The lead didn't last long, though, as Abigail Johnson found Gillispie in front of the goal from eight yards out, and the freshman standout beat the goalkeeper for Fairmont's first score of the game.
 
Johnson recorded her second assists of the day on a cross to Gillispie in the 22^nd minute, which made the score 2-1 in favor of Fairmont State after one half of play. Gillispie completed the hat-trick in the 54^th minute after beating the goalkeeper to the right on a shot that came from just outside the box. Cassie Whitlatch recorded an assist on the goal.
 
Gillispie added another point in the 86th minute with an assist on senior Cameryn Ciresi's goal, which gave the Falcons more cushion entering the final minutes of play.
 
Wheeling held an 18-17 advantage in total shots on the afternoon, although, Fairmont State held an 11-9 edge in shots on goal. Fairmont State also held an 8-4 advantage in corner kicks.
 
Although the freshman gave up an early goal on a PK, Taylor Kennedy turned in an impressive performance with eight total saves in the Fairmont State victory.
 
Fairmont State will return to action on Sunday afternoon against Urbana. First kick is set for 4 p.m. at Duvall-Rosier Field.