The Hornets women’s soccer team took down the Santa Ana Dons today in a big conference matchup, 5-1.

The hornets jumped out to a quick start, maintaining possession for the opening minutes of the first half. A penalty kick from the hornets scoring leader sophomore Kaelah Basurto gave the Hornets an early 1-0 lead at the 8:06 minute mark.

Fullerton stayed aggressive, but some quick maneuvering from the Dons got the ball down to the Fullerton net. SAC sophomore Leyna Wood evened things up with a goal off the keeper at the 13:55 mark.

Staying aggressive the Hornets and the dons clashed for back and forth movement on the pitch. Basurto continued her dominance as she scored her second goal of the game on an assist from freshman Mia Bannon putting the Hornets on top 2-1 at the 38:20 mark.

Both teams continued to attack the ball, but Fullerton entered Halftime with a 2-1 lead.

The second half got off to a quick start as the Dons desperately worked to even the score. A failed corner kicks stalled momentum for the SAC Dons.

Fullerton drove upfield and came close to their third goal on a missed head from freshman Morgan Dack.

Santa Ana worked to get back in this one, but Fullerton’s aggressive play led to a third goal in the 62nd minute of the game. The goal was scored by sophomore Ashley Slouka on an assist from Victoria Arrieta increase the Hornet lead 4-1.

In a blink of an eye Fullerton drive back down the pitch as Arrieta joined in on the fun scoring again in less than a minute, giving the Hornets a 4-1 lead in the 63rd minute.

Fullerton’s Basurto scored her third goal of the game on an assist from Slouka to give the hornets a 5-1 lead and earning her the hat-trick.

“Personally for me, the best way to help myself and my team is also to be the leading goal scorer so that’s my aim, that’s my drive, so that’s what I’m always working on at practice,”said Basurto.

That would be it for the Hornets as they advance to 8-1 on the season and 3-0 in conference. Basurto’s three goals put her up to 9 on the season as the teams leading scorer.

“Exciting to see her have that kinda of a game, I mean she works hard everyday at practice, every game… to see her keep persevering and creating chances for herself it’s fantastic,” said head coach Pam Lewin.

Next up: The Hornets will play Saddleback at home on Friday, Oct. 11 at 3p.m.