PROVO -- A hat trick by Sara Reading and a new team record for shots in a game were more than enough to give the BYU women's soccer team a 4-0 win over New Mexico Friday night.
Reading, a junior, was on fire for the Cougars, scoring a pair of goals just over a minute apart in the first half before adding a third midway through the second half.
"Sara has struggled a little bit to score. This was a good breakthrough and confidence builder for her," BYU coach Jennifer Rockwood said.
Kim Lowe also converted for the Cougars in the second half off a pass from Jennifer Love. BYU posted an all-time high 40 shots in the victory while holding the Lobos to just five chances.
"We played very well tonight. We struggled last weekend, and it was important for us to come back tonight sharp," Rockwood said.
The Cougars won their fifth shutout of the year without All-American Maren Hendershot, out with an injured quad muscle. Standout freshman Jeni Williardson got the start, and chipped in an assist on Reading's first goal. Hendershot is questionable for tomorrow's game against Utah.
"We're hopeful (she'll play)," Rockwood said. "We'll try it out and see if she can go, and if not we've got players who can pick it up."
With the win, BYU started out its conference record 1-0. The Cougars will face conference opponents in each of their next six games, beginning Saturday when they host in-state rival the University of Utah at 8 p.m.
"It doesn't matter what our record is up until this point," Rockwood said. "The next six games are very important. Our main goal is to win the championship in the new conference. Utah will be a big game for us, as it always is."
The Cougars improved its season record to 12-2 with the win, while the Lobos dropped to 5-8-1.
BYU 4, New Mexico 0
BYU - Sara Reading, 10:31 (assisted by Jeni Williardson and Natalyn Lewis)
BYU - Sara Reading, 11:49 (assisted by Karen Wunderli)
BYU - Kim Lowe, 55:12 (assisted by Jennifer Love)
BYU - Sara Reading, 73:34 (unassisted)