EVANS, Ga. – The No. 21-ranked and second-seeded Lander men's soccer team got a hat trick from freshman Max McNulty in a 3-1 win over third-seeded Clayton State at Blanchard Woods Park in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals on Friday night. With the win, Lander advances to its fifth consecutive PBC Tournament championship match. 

Lander (12-4-2) outshot the Lakers (14-6) 17-6 on the night, while Cole Hunter made three saves in 46:28 in goal for the Bearcats.

The Bearcats struck first when McNulty finished off a pass from Robbie Young at the 9:03 mark of the first half. Clayton State knotted the match at 1-1 on a goal in the 36th minute, but McNulty delivered the game-winner at the 47:20 mark on a Harry Bircumshaw assist. The freshman completed his night with a third goal in the 59th minute off an assist from Grant Wagner. 

Lander returns to action Sunday, Nov. 17, at 3:00 p.m. when they take on fourth-seeded Francis Marion in the PBC Tournament championship match. 

#cLawsUp | @LanderMSOC