NORFOLK, Va. -- Despite a career outing from sophomore goalkeeper Zach Kaplan, the Virginia Military Institute men's soccer team fell 5-0 to in-state powerhouse Old Dominion University Friday night in non-conference action at ODU Soccer Complex.

The Monarchs (3-2-0) got a natural hat trick from Tim Hopkinson as he scored the game's first three goals. Jason Gaylord and Geoffrey each contributed late goals. Hill, Jesse Miralrio, Michael Nelson and Cole Stringer all had assists in the intrastate battle.

ODU, which has reached the NCAA tournament in each of the last three seasons, out-shot VMI 32-6 on the night. Keydet keeper Zach Kaplan made a career-best nine saves in 82 minutes of work. He was spelled for the final eight minutes by Daniel Kitchen. Conference USA newcomer ODU controlled the corner kicks, taking 13 to VMI's one.

VMI's offensive effort was led by Aaron White, who took three shots including one on goal, but was stymied by Monarch goalkeeper Sean Stowe, who made one save in 75 minutes for the shutout. Connor Miller played the final 15 minutes of the night for ODU.

Hopkinson took eight shots on Friday, putting eight efforts on frame. Ryan Condotta took five shots with four goalward. Miralrio and Hill took four shots each.

Coming off of its strong play at Marshall Tuesday night, VMI (0-6-1) continued well against ODU in the first half, holding the Monarchs, who are ranked No. 8 in NSCAA South Atlantic Region, off the board until the 40th minute. Hopkinson got a pass from Miralrio that was tipped by a Keydet defender. That goal stood as the lone marker of the half.

Old Dominion controlled the offensive pace early in the game, out-shooting VMI 15-5 in the first 15 minutes. White led in shots for the Keydets, taking three including VMI's long shot on goal in the half. Six of ODU's attempts found the frame, but Kaplan turned aside five of those attempts. The Keydets did not earn a corner kick in the stanza, while the Monarchs took eight.

Two yellow cards were issued in the first half, one to each team.

Hopkinson scored his second goal of the evening on a diving header in the 56th minute. Nelson sent in the long cross from the right corner to give the Monarchs a 2-0 lead. Hopkins capped his night with a hat trick in the 75th minute. Just three minutes later, Gaylord added the Monarchs' fourth goal on a Hill assist, followed by Hill's goal on a bending free kick in the 89th minute.