Jefferson City, Tenn.----Carson-Newman College sophomore forward Robert Hill (Middleborough, England) netted a hat trick as the Eagles defeated the 16th-ranked Wingate University Bulldogs 3-1 in South Atlantic Conference men’s soccer action Saturday night. Carson-Newman improves to 8-3-1 overall and 5-1 in the SAC. Wingate falls to 8-3 overall and 4-1 in the conference.

Wingate University senior forward Junior Nyemb (Douala, Cameroon) got the scoring started 13 seconds into the game, netting his sixth goal of the year.

Hill answered with his first goal of the match at the 29:22 mark to make it 1-1. He scored again 10 minutes later to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead heading to intermission. Hill secured his hat trick with less than five minutes remaining, giving the Eagles a 3-1 advantage. 

The Eagles out-shot Wingate 21-13 on the night, while holding an 11-8 edge in shots on goal. Junior goalkeeper Jordan Moore (Hendersonville, Tenn.) collected seven saves for the Eagles. Junior Joey Calandra (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) racked up eight saves for the Bulldogs.

Wingate returns to action Wednesday, visiting Lenoir-Rhyne for a 7 p.m. start. Bulldog fans should note Monday’s contest at Mount Olive has been cancelled. Carson-Newman hosts Northern Kentucky Wednesday at 6 p.m.