Radford, Va. - Junior Nikki Porter's first collegiate hat trick powered Radford University past provisional VMI, 6-1, in women's soccer action from Patrick D. Cupp Memorial Stadium. The Highlanders (3-2) used four second half goals to break open a one-goal game and snap a two-game skid, while the Keydets (2-3) fell for the third straight match.

The Highlanders dominated much of the match, outshooting the Keydets, 35-1 and holding a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. Sophomore Jonita Hooker (Woodbridge, Va./Barton College) opened the scoring for Radford at the 21:38 mark of the first half after taking a pass from Porter for her first goal as a Highlander. Freshman Lindsey Pendergraph (Woodbrige, Va./Woodbridge) made it 2-0 in the 29th minute, scoring off a short feed through the defense from Rebecca Hoffman (Woodbridge, Va./Tulane) for her first career goal.

The Keydets took advantage of their lone shot of the game, when Vanessa Berrios headed a direct kick from Jorden Reed past Highlander keeper Lauren Scott (Fredericksburg, Va./James Monroe) in the 39th minute to cut the RU lead in half, 2-1.

The Highlanders came out firing in the second half. Porter scored the first of her three second half goals just 1:26 into the second period. She took a flick from sophomore Rachel Rehm (Charlottesville, Va./Covenant) and broke in alone on VMI keeper Haley Gross, who made 12 saves on the day, and beat her far post. The assist was Rehm's first career assist and point.

Sophomore Kara Ramer (Richmond, Va./Midlothian) made it 4-1 on an unassisted breakaway goal in the 59th minute. Porter would pick up her hat trick with a pair of goals in the 64th and 66th minute on assists from Hooker and Ramer. Porter's three goals and seven points, moves her into a tie for sixth with 27 career goals and a tie for ninth with 66 career points.

Radford hits the road for a pair this weekend. They will open up Big South play on Friday, when they face Birmingham Southern at 5 p.m. and make a trip to Tennessee Tech on Sunday at 1 p.m.