SAN MARCOS, Texas – Another hat trick for junior Lauren Prater led the Texas State soccer team to a 4-1 victory over Georgia State Friday evening. Prater and the Bobcats scored all four goals in the second half of action as the victory improves Texas State to 11-5-0 overall and 5-3-0 in the Sun Belt Conference.
 
Prater scored the final three goals of the contest in the 58^th, the 74^th, and the 79^th minutes.
 
Alyssa Phelan recorded her first collegiate goal after a quick pass by Landry Lowe in the 50^th minute to give Texas State the early 1-0 lead over Georgia State. Kristen Champion was also credited with an assist as she served the ball into the box before Lowe's quick flick to Phelan.
 
Prater's first goal of the contest was less than 10 minutes later and was assisted by Lynsey Curry. Prater flicked the ball over the goalkeeper just inside the 18-yard box.
 
Georgia State cut the Bobcat lead to just one in the 73^rd minute on a goal by Alexis Thomas. Thomas broke through and weaved around defenders on the left side to try and put a stop to the Bobcat's momentum.
 
Just 21 seconds later, Prater struck again with an unassisted goal, similar to that of Thomas' score right before. Her second goal also marked her 10^th of the season, making her now the team leader in that category.
 
Prater's third and final goal of the contest game in the 79^th minute on a feed from Clarissa Leon. Leon passed the ball into Prater who passed up a Georgia State defender and launched it from the top of the 18-yard box.
 
The Bobcats recorded 11 shots in the contest compared to 12 by the Panthers. Caitlynn Rinehart finished the night with three saves. Curry led all Bobcats with four shots and all three of Prater's shots resulted in goals.
 
Texas State will celebrate Senior Day this Sunday against Georgia Southern at 12 p.m. For more information on the Texas State soccer team, go online to www.txstatebobcats.com, Facebook at Texas State Soccer, or follow us on Twitter at @TxStateSoccer.