HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Alabama State women's soccer team got off to a very quick start, scoring three times in the opening 15 minutes including twice on long strikes outside the box from Aaliyah Lewis and the Lady Hornets were off and running as it cruised for a 9-0 SWAC win over shorthanded Alabama A&M on Friday afternoon at the Bulldog Soccer Field.
 
In doing so, Alabama State solidified the No. 3 seed in the SWAC Tournament for the second consecutive season.
 
It will face either Texas Southern or Arkansas Pine-Bluff in the first round of the tournament on Thursday in Huntsville at the John Hunt Complex. 
 
ASU was able to keep up a frenetic pace, outgunning AAMU in shots 21-5 including 17-2 in shots on goal opportunities. 
 
In the 13^th minute, an own goal off a Lady Bulldog defender that was last touched by Emily Fleming made it 3-0 ASU.
 
Fleming added her second when she received a cross from Aa. Lewis and finished with a goal that deflected off the keeper's hands to push the lead to 4-0.   
 
Aa. Lewis and Fleming each added second half goals to both complete the hat trick.
 
It was Aa. Lewis' seventh career hat trick, an all-time school record, while Fleming notched her first at ASU. 
 
Ariela Lewis, Kayla Edwards, and Ali Murphy also got into the act with goals of their own for the Lady Hornets. 
 
The Lady Hornets (7-10-1 overall, 7-3 SWAC) tied their season-high for most goals in a match. 
 
The team also scored nine goals in a 9-0 win at Alcorn State on Oct. 16. 
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Zaria Maynard made two saves and recorded her first career shutout. 
 
"It was another great team win and we were able to get contributions from a lot of different players," said ASU head coach Jodie Smith.
 
"We will look forward to the tournament now.  I think there's probably four or five teams that could win it so it will be interesting." 
                                                                                                                                                        
 
                                                                                                        #GOHORNETS#