FERRUM, Va. — Freshman Celia de Diego began her collegiate career with a hat trick to power Averett University women's soccer to a 3-0 season-opening victory over Ferrum College Wednesday afternoon on W.B. Adams Stadium.

The three-goal effort by de Deigo was the first for Averett (1-0-0) since 2016. The Cougars headed into the halftime break with a 1-0 advantage as de Diego scored her first goal in the 33rd minute. Sophomore Clarice Peters earned her first assist on the season, which helped give Averett the one-goal advantage at the break

The Cougars were able to add to that lead in the second half as sophomore Maiju Hyvarinen and junior Madison Morin also earned their first assists on the year when de Diego struck again, scoring in the 66th and 78th minute, respectively.

Ferrum (0-1-0) was outshot by Averett 10-6 while only putting two of those shots on goal.

Senior Morgan Dills kept the clean sheet for the Cougars in goal, earning two saves.

Averett is back in action Sunday at noon when it hosts Carroll University.