Freshman Larissa White had a memorable debut performance, ringing up a hat trick, as she scored goals in each of three 30-minute periods and the Alabama State women's soccer team zipped past Auburn-Montgomery 3-1 in an exhibition match Saturday at the ASU Soccer Complex.

White, a midfielder from Westphal, Nova Scotia, was active from the first whistle as she took a team-high four shots and made good on all three of her shots that were on target.

"I felt really good today," White said.  "Coach had a good pep talk.  I felt a fire in me.  I just wanted to get out and score some goals.  It was awesome.  My teammates helped me by talking to me, and gave me some good balls to make some runs.  We started practice last Friday and we've been working on everything.   I thought we really brought it today.  Game day is the best day." 

"She was involved in all the plays," said ASU women's soccer head coach Jodie Smith. 

"She dictated play from the midfield position, which is what we needed her to do.  The ball fell her way and she was able to capitalize.  It shows that we're capable of sharing the ball around and not have to rely on a couple scorers.   It bodes well for the rest of the season."

The Lady Hornets held an 10-7 shots advantage for the match and went up 1-0 in the eighth minute on White's first score. 

After Lila Remache tied the score at one apiece, White scored less than eight minutes later to get ASU the lead for good on a rebound in front of the net.

White secured the hat trick in the third exhibition period on an assist from Ariela Lewis by finding the left corner of the net.

"I was pleased with our backs for the most part, getting involved offensively," Smith said. 

"We were able to counter attack with a fair amount of speed.    I thought we were very dangerous on the attacking end.  What I'm most pleased about is that we were able to play the entire roster.  In the past, we haven't been as deep so this was a positive step forward."

                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#